Researchers continue to study pasture rejuvenation

It should come as no surprise that over time pastures and hay yields can start to decline.

There are a number of reasons for that decline from nitrogen loss, to environmental conditions like drought, low-productivity soils or grazing management strategies.

With the rising costs of land and fertilizer prices, climate conditions and more, it's important for producers to recover the productivity of the land.

There are a variety of options to consider when looking at pasture rejuvenation whether it be controlled grazing, fertilization, break and re-seed, sod-seeding, broadcast seeding, mowing or prescribed burns.

When it comes to evaluating which method is right for your operation it's important to not only look at production yields but also at what pencils out the best in the budget.

Kathy Larson is a researcher with the University of Saskatchewan's College of Agriculture and Bioresources focusing on economics.