10/17/2026
🌾Don't Graze Pastures Too Short Going Into Winter
As the growing season winds down, it can be tempting to let livestock graze pastures just a little longer. But leaving enough plant growth behind can make a big difference in how well your pasture handles winter - and how it comes back next spring.
Keeping adequate plant residue helps:
🌱 Protect plant crowns and growing points
❄️ Insulate the soil during cold weather
💧 Reduce runoff and soil erosion
🌾 Maintain stronger root systems
🌧️ Capture moisture and protect the soil surface
🐄 Provide better pasture conditions when growth resumes
Overgrazing going into winter can weaken forage plants and reduce the energy reserves they need for spring growth.
A good rule to remember: don't graze down to the dirt. The grass left behind isn't wasted - it's helping protect your soil and preparing your pasture for another growing season.
Healthy pastures start with what you leave behind.
