Long Grazing Periods Will Stress Riparian Areas

    Long grazing periods allow cattle
    to graze where and when they
    choose to, not where and when we
    want them to. These long grazing
    periods fail riparian areas on all
    four range management principles.

    Poor Distribution
  • animals prefer to graze and
    loiter in riparian areas,
  • they will stay there unless moved.
    Intense Grazing
  • animals loitering or
    making frequent
    visits for water will
    graze and regraze
    riparian vegetation
    to a short stubble,
    before grazing the
    uplands.

  • insufficient carryover
    or grass residue is
    left to protect plants
    and soil.
    Vulnerable Periods
  • animals are present through all the vulnerable
    periods such as when banks are fragile or
    brush species vulnerable to browsing.
    No Rest
  • favoured plants are grazed, then
    regrazed when they should be
    allowed to rest and recover.
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