The Rotational Grazing webinar held on October 3, 2023, featuring Larry Bockus from Thunder Bay Community Pasture and Dr. Brian McLaren from Lakehead University, offered valuable insights into the transformative effects of rotational grazing. Dr. McLaren’s presentation delved into a 2019 research study evaluating soil and forage crop conditions on the community pasture in Thunder Bay. Surprisingly, despite 40 years of conventional grazing, the soil received an impressive 90% rating from Cornell University’s soil testing. However, low pH levels prompted a recommendation to lime the pasture. Due to budget constraints the TBCP board considered adding wood ash in place of lime to assist with the pH level.
The webinar emphasized the potential benefits of rotational grazing, as highlighted by Dr. McLaren. Implementing this strategy could restore native grasses, boost nitrogen stock, and elevate legume production. The focus on herd management through rotational grazing emerged as a promising solution for sustainable pasture health.
Larry Bockus shared insights into Thunder Bay Community Pasture’s experience with implementing a full rotational grazing system in the 2023 season. The positive impact was evident, with cattle gaining an average of half a pound more per day compared to data collected in previous years. The introduction of approximately 16 kilometers of three-wire electric fencing, funded by OFCAF, marked a significant step towards effective pasture management.
In a remarkable turnaround, the pasture witnessed substantial improvements in soil health and forage growth within just one year of adopting rotational grazing. Notably, during a dry spell in early Summer 2023, the density of the crop sheltered the ground, retaining moisture in the clay soil. On average, the rotational grazing system extended the pasture use by two weeks.
Overall, the Thunder Bay Community Pasture board and Dr. McLaren have both noted the benefits for the livestock, forages, and soil health from implementing rotational grazing in the pasture.
Looking ahead, Thunder Bay Community Pasture aims to refine its rotational grazing system and establish sustainable forage systems. Dr. McLaren, in collaboration with the Northern Ontario Farm Innovation Alliance and the Thunder Bay Community Pasture, with funding from the Ontario Soil & Crop Improvement Association’s Grassroots Research Grant, will be conducting a 5-year review of the Thunder Bay Community Pasture beginning in 2024 and spanning 3 years. This study aims to provide comprehensive data on the long-term impacts and benefits of rotational grazing, building on the foundation laid by the 2019 research. The webinar effectively conveyed the potential of rotational grazing to benefit pasture management, offering a sustainable and economically viable approach for the future.