What is Managed Grazing?
Managed grazing is a sustainable farming method in which animals graze through paddocks of high-quality pasture in controlled cycles of harvest, rest and regrowth. Moving animals from one paddock to another rather than allowing access to the entire field gives the forage plants time to rest and rejuvenate, increasing long-term pasture production.
The Environmental Benefits
Managed grazing keeps perennial cover on the land 365 days of the year which holds the topsoil in place and allows water to infiltrate down through the soil profile, minimizing erosion and runoff issues observed on annually cropped land. Water quality downstream is improved because less nutrients, sediment, and chemicals leave the farm.
A Healthier Option
Grass-fed meat may have some heart-health benefits that other types of meat don’t have. When compared with other types of meat, grass-fed may have less total fat, more heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, more conjugated linoleic acid (a type of fat that’s thought to reduce heart disease and cancer risks), and more antioxidant vitamins such as vitamin E. And, many people think grass fed beef tastes better.
For more on Managed Grazing, visit www.glacierlandrcd.org.
For questions or further information, please contact Patricia Sampe-Chair Nutrition Coalition at 920-683-4155 or email: PatriciaSampe@co.manitowoc.wi.us