Grazing Management

Publications

UCCE Advisors and Specialists write many papers summarizing research projects, monitoring procedures, and general management practices. All papers are peer-reviewed, meaning before they can be published, another set of people within the University review to ensure the papers are scientifically valid and not someone’s opinion. Here you will find free publications (available as a PDF) from the University of California, as well as links to larger publications you may purchase, each with a summary. In addition, each of the publications are available at your local UC Cooperative Extension office for your convenience.

Guidelines for Describing Grazing Management and Utilization when Conducting Botanical Surveys

This publication outlines the data needed to describe grazing management and utilization before conducting a survey of a plant population. In a grazed ecosystem, the resource professional should describe grazing management and utilization in addition to collecting data on the targeted survey plant population(s) to provide a clearer picture as to the factors influencing grazing. Data collected includes size of the grazing unit, season of grazing, class of animals used, animal unit equivalent, and Residual Dry Matter (RDM). Examples are given and sample data sheets. Click here for full text.

Factors and Practices that Influence Livestock Distribution

Fine-tuning traditional livestock distribution techniques can improve effectiveness. Learn how to use management practices to alter distribution and to attract livestock into targeted grazing areas or away from environmentally critical areas. Click here for full text.

The Benefits of Livestock Grazing California’s Annual Grasslands

Grazing livestock do a lot more than just fill their bellies with wild grasses. Their grazing also helps keep potential wildfire fuels in check and enhances habitat opportunities for native plants, birds, frogs, salamanders, and more. Read all about it!

Grazing Systems Management

Part of the Understanding Working Rangelands series. Time was, herded livestock could be led over the wide landscape to wherever the feed and water were best, but fences and property rights restrict most modern herds to much smaller ranges. Time and space are big issues for today's herder. Click here for full text.

Guidelines for Residual Dry Matter

Properly managed RDM can be expected to provide a high degree of protection from soil erosion and nutrient loss. Applications of specific RDM standards based on research and experience have shown the effectiveness of this approach to grazing management. RDM standards for different range types in California as well as for different landscapes are provided. Click here for full text.

Understanding Livestock Grazing Impacts

A rangeland manager's concerns, once limited to livestock health and business profitability, now also include the health of the rangeland habitat and its diverse species. Learn to assess rangeland health with this practical publication. Click here for full text.