UnderstandingAg

APRIL 3, 2025

In fact, from 2008-2016, croplands expanded at a rate of over one million acres per year, with the eastern half of the Dakotas leading the charge. Cropland was seeded back to grass in 2014, and cattle were grazed during the 2015, 2016 and 2017 seasons. Take David Brandt, often described as a godfather of the soil health movement.

Acre 97

Acre Fertilizer Pasture Crop 97

Wisconsin Farmers Union

SEPTEMBER 9, 2024

With bale grazing, bales are set in a grid pattern before winter, and cattle are given access to a few bales at a time. This minimizes the use of equipment during the winter months and distributes nutrients to improve forage production and soil health in subsequent years. A common concern with bale grazing is soil compaction.

Pasture 98

Pasture Forage Soil Compaction Farming 98

UnderstandingAg

OCTOBER 29, 2023

For me, well, I was taking an introductory soil science class in a two-year horticulture degree program at Farmingdale State College on Long Island, NY. In that soil science class, I learned all about soil horizons, particle size ranges that comprise sand, loam, and clay, pH, N,P,K, and the fact soil compaction inhibits plant growth.

Soil Science 93

Soil Science Science Soil Compaction Pesticide 93

ATTRA

APRIL 2, 2024

The challenges associated with mud on livestock farms, particularly cattle and horse farms, need to be addressed because their health affects production goals. Let’s examine how mud affects cattle and horses, as they often create muddy conditions. Mud in the winter will result in soil compaction later.

Soil Compaction 98

Soil Compaction Pasture Forage Livestock 98

UnderstandingAg

JANUARY 11, 2025

If we are working to advance Diversity within the Six Principles of Soil Health, we need to adjust the time of year we implement our grazing disruption. Intensity Intensity includes both stock density (pounds of animal per acre during an individual grazing event) and the degree of forage utilization. We want to mix things up.

Forage 64

Forage Pasture Acre Soil Compaction 64