Managing Pasture: A Complete Guide to Building Healthy Pasture for Grass-Based Meat & Dairy Animals - Hardcover

by Dale Strickler (Author)

The health and profitability of grass-based livestock begins with the food they eat. In Managing Pasture, author Dale Strickler guides farmers and ranchers through the practical and ideological considerations behind caring for the land as a key part of running a successful grass-based operation, from the profitability of replacing expensive grain feed with nutrient-rich native grasses to the benefits of ecologically-minded land management.

In-depth examinations of the biology and benefits of grazing plants and different grazing strategies accompany detailed plans for paddock and fencing set-ups, livestock watering, and effective methods for dealing with common pasture problems throughout the seasons, from mud to drought. For readers invested in pasture improvement strategies that offer environmental benefits beyond better meat and dairy, including carbon sequestration, erosion prevention, increased pollinator resources and wildlife habitat, and improved water quality, Managing Pasture is an approachable, accessible guide to creating and caring for the grassland that feeds animals and future generations.

Back Jacket

Pasture Can Be Profitable

Grass-based meat and dairy products are in demand. Consumers are hungry for nutritious, hormone-free meat and milk from pastured livestock, which means that farmers and ranchers can reap the financial rewards of pasture production - with the right approach.

Farmer and rancher Dale Stricker's straighforward methods for profitable pasture management will revolutionize how you see your grasslands, with detailed guidance on fencing and grazing strategies, planting for native grass growth, and more. Beyond financial gains, producers will discover long-term environmental benefits, including improved water quality, carbon sequestration, and habitat for diverse wildlife and pollinators. The end result is a profitable, sustainable grass-based operation that is good for the pasture and the planet.

Author Biography

Dale Strickler is the author of Managing Pasture and The Drought-Resilient Farm and Chief Agronomist at regenerativewisdom.com, a farm and ranching consulting service. An internationally recognized agroecologist, speaker, and consultant, Strickler has more than 30 years of experience as a highly successful farmer and rancher in his own operation, as well as 15 years teaching in higher education and 20 years of industry experience with companies such as Land-o-Lakes and GreenCover Seed. Strickler has developed effective crop and grazing systems for numerous farms and ranches with a range of often challenging climates and soil types and his articles have appeared in publications like Mother Earth News, Acres USA, Stockman Grass Farmer, and Grit. He was the recipient of the 2013 Water and Energy Progress Award Model of Innovation and the Kansas Farm Bureau Natural Friend of Agriculture Award in 2021.