Friendly neighbour relations today could be the start of a long relationship that leads well into the future and helps get you through low feed times this spring.
“Not every square foot of land in Alberta is farmed,” says Andrea Hanson, beef extension specialist, Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, Airdrie. “There are fields that have significant areas not tilled and left in their natural states and/or coulees or low areas that are presently drying up. Some of these areas could help you stretch your grazing season and avoid overgrazing your present pastures.”
Hanson suggests reading an AgriNews article from April 25, 2016, entitled Reducing the Impact of Grazing Early. “Not every area is practical to have cattle graze. It may be in the middle of a cropped field and crop would have to be trampled to get to it, or the land is soft and won’t bear the weight of cattle, but if there are areas along the edge and there’s a possibility.”
It starts with a conversation to create a clear understanding of both parties’ expectations, says Hanson. “Perhaps there’s a neighbour whose land borders yours and he/she doesn’t have cattle to use the grass or getting their cattle to the area isn’t practical. If so, with the addition of a gate and some perimeter fencing, you can have some extra feed this spring and/or in the fall.”
Typically, these ungrazed areas have a lot of old thatch or grass from previous year’s growth that will protect the new growing shoots from being overgrazed. “Grazing these areas now and leaving your pastures that may need some extra time would be a wise plan for the longevity of your pastures. Using these ungrazed areas also reduces the fire hazard from the buildup of old grass and larger fuel source. This is a benefit to all in the community.”
Monetary compensation is a conversation between you and your neighbour, explains Hanson.
“It will most likely be the cattle owner who will put up and maintain the fence and ensure there is water for the cattle. As the cattle producer, you are getting the benefit of both the old and new grass that is in the area; however, that also depends on the types of forage growing. Old smooth brome grass has very little feed value while native and some other tame plant species hold their nutritional value much longer. Depending on the relationship with your neighbour, just reducing the fire hazard for the area may be compensation enough, not to mention the increase in soil health that grazing animals provide.”
It will be important that your cattle behave themselves and don’t end up out and trampling your neighbor’s crop, adds Hanson. “The saying ‘good fences make good neighbors’ applies at all times. If you can keep the cattle happy and contained in these under-utilized areas it can certainly be a win-win for both parties when spring grass is at a premium, or to extend your grazing season in the fall.”
Source : Agriculture and Forestry