MIG Layout

[HDRider]

I wanted to see if anyone would offer comment or advice on my MIG pasture layout.

W = Water : The numbers indicate the sequence of cattle movement.
Sequence 1 – 9 is 40 acres : Sequence 1 – 16 is 40 acres : Sequence 1 – 12 is 60 acres

The pasture is neglected and ripe for the rejuvenating effects of mob grazing. It is mostly Fescue, some Bermuda and a little clover. I will work on strengthening my clover.

The red lines are three strands of permanent electrified high tensile. Yellow lines are movable electric polywire. Fat yellow on red are gates

 

[gberry]

I like it. We do something similar. How many cows will be in the mob? And how do you plan to get water? Let them go back over the pasture they already grazed? I like being able to adjust the paddock size and using temporary fence is the way to do this.

 

[HDRider]

I like it. We do something similar. How many cows will be in the mob? And how do you plan to get water? Let them go back over the pasture they already grazed? I like being able to adjust the paddock size and using temporary fence is the way to do this.

I plan on one beef per acre until the pasture is rejuvinated.

Regarding water, yes I plan to let them back up to the water behind them. They won't have to backup more then four paddocks, and then close it off when they move into the new paddock with water.

 

[agmantoo]

Initially I suggest that you curb the headcount to 1 cow per 1.5 acres. Cattle are too expensive at this time to have to cull due to insufficient forage.

 

[HDRider]

Initially I suggest that you curb the headcount to 1 cow per 1.5 acres. Cattle are too expensive at this time to have to cull due to insufficient forage.

You are probably right on the count. I plan to work up to the number that fits.

BTW - Thanks again for the tour. My wife and I enjoyed it so very much. High tides and green grass indeed.

 

[gberry]

I don't like walking over the grazed area to get to water, but sometimes it is necessary. I have found some 1 inch water hoses on amazon for around $100 for 100'. A couple of these could reduce the amount of time the cows spend on the grazed area which increases the amount of time the grass can grow. Based on the size of your paddocks, I assume some paddocks will be used for more than a day. Ideally, I would try to limit this by allocating 1 days worth of grass. This is easier said than done if grazing isn't your full time job. We usually move every few days.

 

[HDRider]

I don't like walking over the grazed area to get to water, but sometimes it is necessary. I have found some 1 inch water hoses on amazon for around $100 for 100'. A couple of these could reduce the amount of time the cows spend on the grazed area which increases the amount of time the grass can grow. Based on the size of your paddocks, I assume some paddocks will be used for more than a day. Ideally, I would try to limit this by allocating 1 days worth of grass. This is easier said than done if grazing isn't your full time job. We usually move every few days.

I admit I have struggled a lot with the question of water. Ideally I would have water in each paddock, but that seems to be an expensive route, especially considering how much line I need to bury. This has to work in the winter too. The number of cattle might drop off in the winter but they will still be making the circuit.

The paddock size will be completely flexible, and I will move them every day. The drawing, especially the yellow lines is just to conceptualize the movable polywire.

 

[shaz]

The paddock size will be completely flexible, and I will move them every day. The drawing, especially the yellow lines is just to conceptualize the movable polywire.
HDRider
Cowhand


Envious of your layout ;-)
I moved about 70 head onto 2 acres yesterday. Got the effect I was looking for. They top-grazed exclusively.
I wasn't able to watch them today but I wonder if that top grazing only happens in the first day???

 

[ohiosteve]

It looks like a well thought out pasture rotation to me. While it is ideal to not allow any backgrazing you have definitely kept it to a minimum. I would love to have a setup such as yours. I am willing to bet it will work out well for you, good luck!

 

[gberry]

I don't like walking over the grazed area to get to water, but sometimes it is necessary. I have found some 1 inch water hoses on amazon for around $100 for 100'. A couple of these could reduce the amount of time the cows spend on the grazed area which increases the amount of time the grass can grow. Based on the size of your paddocks, I assume some paddocks will be used for more than a day. Ideally, I would try to limit this by allocating 1 days worth of grass. This is easier said than done if grazing isn't your full time job. We usually move every few days.

I admit I have struggled a lot with the question of water. Ideally I would have water in each paddock, but that seems to be an expensive route, especially considering how much line I need to bury. This has to work in the winter too. The number of cattle might drop off in the winter but they will still be making the circuit.

The paddock size will be completely flexible, and I will move them every day. The drawing, especially the yellow lines is just to conceptualize the movable polywire.

Having to work in winter would be a problem. Down here, we have just run rolls of HDPE on top of the ground to get water to every paddock. It won't bust with freezing, but some of the cut off valves do. Our biggest problem is the water getting hot in summer, but grass usually grows over the pipe pretty quick to shade it.