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Wisconsin couple returns to grazing
STRATFORD, Wis. (DTN)--A Stratford couple has decided to let its cows do the work instead of investing money in machinery to feed them.
According to the Wausau (Wis.) Daily Herald, Scott and Debra Jirschele have made the transition from conventional silo and bunk feeding to grazing. Their only regret is not doing it long ago.
Despite the fact that grass-fed cows generally produce less milk, a study by the Great Lakes Grazing Network found that in 2002 Wisconsin graziers had an advantage of about $5,000 a farm, $300 a cow and $1.70 per hundredweight of milk.
The savings grazing offers prompted the Jirscheles to make the switch. To continue their traditional operations, they would have had to purchase a chopper, chopper boxes and one or two more tractors.
The switch to grazing takes additional management, though. Rather than allowing cows to munch at will, a grazier allows about 50 cows on one acre for about 12 hours or until they graze an 8- to 10-inch tall pasture down to about 4 inches. The cows are then moved to allow the pasture to rest.
The Jirscheles had meticulously organized a grazing system for their 55 Jersey cattle. They planted red clover and orchard grass pastures in the dry 2003 season, then installed lanes and fences in preparation for the 2004 season.
But nature was uncooperative. The wet weather and tremendous amounts of rain during late spring and early summer caused much trouble as the cattle ended up tramping down what they didn't eat. But after more seeding and some extra feed, the operation bounced back.
The couple still buys some feed, but at a nominal cost.
Date: 9/23/04
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