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Native Range Management

Native range is a living system of grasses, forbs and shrubs that has fed grazers for a long time. Managing it well is mostly about timing, rest and patience.

Why native range is different

Native range was not planted or fertilized. It comes from the soil, the climate and the plants that belong there, and it responds slowly to both good and bad management. Rainfall swings are bigger and recovery is slower than on improved pasture, so mistakes can take years to undo.

That slowness is also a strength. Healthy range can hold soil, store water and feed cattle with low inputs.

Healthy native range often looks less tidy than a mowed pasture, with mixed heights and plants, and that variety is part of what keeps it productive.

Know your range sites

Range is divided into ecological or range sites based on soil, slope and climate, and each site has its own plant community and production potential. Your NRCS office can provide soil maps and site descriptions. Learn the key forage plants on each site and which ones decrease or increase with heavy grazing.

Walk your range with an extension agent or range specialist and take notes and photographs.

Range inventories and monitoring plots, which NRCS and extension staff can help set up, track changes in plant cover over time and give you evidence for management decisions.

• Identify range sites on a map
• Learn the key grass species
• Note plants that increase under heavy grazing
• Photograph the same spots each year

Stocking and grazing timing

The most important decision is how many animals and for how long. Set stocking conservatively and adjust to forage condition and rainfall. The season of grazing matters as well, because native plants are stressed differently at different growth stages.

Rest periods help plants recover. Rotational or deferred systems may help on some ranges, but results depend on climate and plants, so ask local specialists what suits your site.

Keep a stocking rate that leaves enough plant behind to protect the soil and feed next year's growth, even when this means carrying fewer animals than the land seems able to hold.

Water and distribution

Cattle tend to overuse areas near water and ignore distant or steep ground. Additional water points, salt and mineral placement, fencing and riding can spread grazing more evenly. Protect streams, springs and wetlands with fencing or hardened crossings where needed, and talk to NRCS about design and program help.

Wildlife also graze and use range. Count their use in your plan and talk with state wildlife agencies if your ranch has special habitat concerns.

Talk with neighbors about shared fences and water. Cooperative water development can improve distribution across property lines.

Brush, weeds and fire

Brush and invasive plants can take over range after overgrazing or fire suppression. Control methods may include grazing management, mechanical treatment, labeled herbicides and prescribed fire, each with its own cost and risk. Fire in particular is dangerous, and laws and permits differ by location. Work with trained professionals and follow local rules.

Always read herbicide labels and follow all restrictions.

Hire experienced people for burning and spraying. Mistakes with fire or chemicals can hurt people, neighbors and the land.

Drought planning

Drought is part of range life. Decide ahead what actions you will take as conditions worsen, such as early weaning, selling cattle, moving them or feeding hay. Acting early protects the plants that make future grass. FSA and NRCS offices can explain assistance and planning options. Program terms change, so ask directly.

Do not forget to document any assistance applications and decisions. Records protect you and make later planning simpler.

Records, mistakes and who to ask

Keep records of dates, animal numbers, rainfall and condition. Common mistakes include stocking for a wet year, ignoring distribution problems, delaying drought decisions and treating brush without a plan for what follows.

Ask NRCS, extension and the Society for Range Management for local guidance, and talk to your lender or accountant about financial planning. This is general education, not financial advice.

• Stocking for a wet year
• Letting cattle camp near water
• Waiting too long to destock
• Treating brush with no follow-up plan

More in Nutrition, Forage & Grazing

• Improving Pasture Fertility
• Soil Testing on Ranches
• Lime and Fertilizer Decisions
• Weed Control in Pastures
• Brush Management on Ranches
• Poisonous Plant Control