Deferred grazing, a practice that involves delaying livestock grazing until after key growing seasons, is a valuable strategy for preserving and enhancing native prairie ecosystems. Unlike continuous or early-season grazing, deferred grazing allows native grasses and forbs the opportunity to complete their life cycles, set seed, and recover from previous disturbances. This approach brings a range of environmental, ecological, and even economic benefits that support both sustainable ranching and grassland conservation.
One of the most significant benefits is the improvement of plant vigor and diversity. Overgrazing, particularly during early spring when plants are most vulnerable, can stress these species and lead to the invasion of less desirable or non-native plants. By waiting until later in the season, native species are more likely to compete with non-native species, resulting in greater plant diversity and healthier root systems, improving soil structure and nutrient cycling.
Soil and water conservation are further advantages of this practice. When prairie vegetation is allowed to grow and develop, its root systems penetrate deeply into the soil, improving infiltration and reducing runoff. This not only minimizes erosion but also enhances the land’s resilience to drought.
Deferred grazing can contribute to long-term pasture productivity and economic sustainability. Though it may require more rotational planning or alternative forage sources early in the season, pastures that are rested and allowed to recover often produce more biomass and retain higher forage quality later in the year. This can extend the grazing season and reduce the need for costly supplemental feeding.
While it may be tempting to turn livestock out on native prairie early in the spring at the first sign of green up, waiting until mid to late summer allows the native species to grow, flower, and set seed ensuring long-term health of the pasture, while meeting forage requirements of livestock.
There are a variety of considerations to be made when determining whether or not to implement new management practices on farm. Our regional offices provide support for producers looking to implement new management practices on their operations.
For more information, call the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377
Mckenzie Paget, Agri-Environmental Specialist with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, out of the regional office in Weyburn Saskatchewan.