Targeted Grazing Committee

Introduction

The Targeted Grazing Committee (TGC) is a self formed committee of practitioners, land managers, research and extension personnel that formed in 2009. The TGC will contribute to the SRM mission which is: to promote the professional development and continuing education of members and the public and the stewardship of rangeland resources.

Handbook:

Targeted Grazing Handbook (pdf)

Videos and Presentations

Applying Targeted Grazing: The following presetations can be found at:
(https://targetedgrazing.wordpress.com/training/)

1. Grazing for specific objectives—Realistically determining objectives for your targeted grazing program. Beth Reynolds Facilitator – October 8, 2015

2. Livestock and endangered species—What do targeted grazers need to know about endangered species? Rachel Frost & Marc Horney Facilitator—November 12, 2015

3. Livestock and wildlife interactions—Using targeted grazing to develop wildlife habitat. John Hendrickson Facilitator – December 17, 2015

To view the webinar archive click here: https://targetedgrazing.wordpress.com/videos-presentations/.

2013 SRM Annual Meeting (Oklahoma) Targeted Grazing Symposium: Management of Livestock Distribution

Considerations for Targeted Graziers

Below is a list of considerations for a person beginning a targeted grazing business

Knowledge of Animal Husbandry

A. Stages of Production- Which is best for the job?

1. Does/Ewes/Cows
2. Kids/Lambs/Calves
3. Wethers/Steers

B.  Digestive System

1. Nutrition
   1. Diet selection as a grazing animal
   2. Mineral supplementation
   3. Supplemental feed based on vegetation
2. Health
   1. Effects of health on wildlife
3. Animal Handling/Herding

C.  Livestock Selection

1. Appropriate Breeds and Species
   1. Comingled species grazing
   2. Staggered grazing
2. “Designer Livestock” develop based on criteria: temperament, BCS, eating behavior, diet preference, parasite resistance
3. Age – young versus mature with horns
4. Sex – does versus heavy weight wethers

D.  Pasture Management

1. Stock density
2. AUMs, ADAs
3. Residual matter
4. Achieving desired vegetation goal

E.  Equipment

1. Vehicles
2. Fencing
   1. Electric Fence
   2. Panels and chute setup
3. Water setup, minerals

F.  Dogs

1. Herding Dogs
2. Guardian Dogs
   1. Training and upbringing
   2. Health management (ticks, snakes, haircuts)
   3. Alternative predator control

G.  Emergency Protocol

1. Evacuation Route and Method
2. Disease Outbreak SOP
3. Theft/Vandalism Response and Prevention

Management of Natural Resources with Livestock

A.  Identifying natural resources present

1. Understanding function and characteristics
2. Nature of ecosystem
3. Awareness of sensitivities or restrictions

B.  Identifying plant species

1. Resources available to help identify
2. Changes by growth stage
3. Palatability
4. Toxins and adverse reactions
5. Plants to avoid and plant to protect

C.  Wildlife

1. Understanding habitat and resources needed
2. Understanding effects of grazing on habitat
3. Identifying threat of predation present
4. Threat of disease transfer and prevention measures

D.  Watersheds and Riparian Areas

1. Protection and preservation
2. Stability of banks and spillways
3. Tree girdling

E.  Assess goals and application of livestock grazing

1. Attainable goals
2. Methodology
3. Monitoring for results
4. Adapting based on site response

Management of Targeted Grazing Business

A.  Business Plan

1. Goals and Scope of Business
2. Outline of Operations
3. Target Customer
4. Management, Employees and Compensations
5. Financial Plan
6. Production Plan
7. Capital and Infrastructure
8. Process of bidding services/price model
9. Incorporation

B.  Insurance

1. General Liability
2. Auto Insurance
3. Workers Compensation
4. Livestock Insurance

C.  Financials

1. Yearly Budget and Projections
2. Cash Flow
3. Efficiency of resources
4. Taxes

D.  Writing and Reviewing Targeted Grazing Contracts

1. Explanation of Services
2. Disclaimers to Include
3. Simple but Comprehensive

E.  Employees

1. Hiring and Training
2. Qualifications
3. Management and Resources Needed

F.  Public Relations

1. Public Perception
2. Education Opportunities
3. Social Media

G.  Advertising

1. Reputation
2. Word of Mouth
3. Online presence
4. Social Media

H.  Legal

1. Review and writing of contracts
2. Protection for lawsuits
3. Monitoring and tracking work to limit liability

I.  Customer

1. Private versus Public Sector
   1. Expectations and level of expertise required
   2. Satisfying needs reasonably
   3. Pros and Cons
2. Net 30 payday
3. Relationships that work

Considerations for People Hiring Graziers

Below is a list of considerations for someone who is thinking of incorporating targeted grazing as a management technique

Initial Project Evaluation

A.  Is Targeted Grazing the right tool

1. Can livestock accomplish project goal
2. Can livestock and personnel well being be protected
3. Targeted Grazing combined with other land management tools
4. Assess proper use of tools to align with desired landscape outcome

B.  Outline Long Term Land Management Goals

C.  Identify Target and Non-Target Plant Species

D.  Identify Site Concerns for Special Management

Measures of Success

A.  Desired minimum utilization of target species

B.  Desired maximum utilization of non-target species

1. Biomass reduction amount
2. Max-Min stubble height

C.   Monitoring

1. Identify sample technique and describe strategy
2. Responsible party to perform monitoring
3. Repeat photo points established
4. Define acceptable associated impacts of grazing project
   1. Bedding areas, sacrifice areas, erodible areas
   2. Vehicle transit routes
   3. Herder campgrounds
   4. Sites in public viewsheds

Resource Inventory

A.  Physical Inventory

1. Location and boundary of project
2. Existing Fencing and gates
3. Roads and any limitations
4. Water location and capacity
5. Other Available utilities (electricity)
6. Topographic Features
7. Ecological Constraints and Exclusions

B.  Regulatory Constraints and Exclusions

1. Zoning
2. Agency Guidelines
3. Vehicle and Machinery use restrictions
4. Other Constraints

C.  Plant Community and Soils Inventory

1. Monitoring Approach and Schedule
2. Responsible Party
3. Delivery and Storage of inventory information

Service Provider Selection Criteria

A.  Experience

1. Years in Business
2. Types of Previous Project
3. References from Clients
4. Livestock Experience- vegetation, location, urban/remote

B.  Ability to describe and handle Problems/Disasters

1. Backup water setup
2. Inclement weather
3. Predators – reasonable and legal protection
4. Wildfire – evacuation of animals and equipment
5. Livestock Escape – prevent, detect and respond timely
6. Employee/Staff Alternatives

C.  Contract Issues

1. Designated Contract Administrators

1. 1. Hiring Agency Individual – final authority, bidding process, tours, answer questions
   2. Establish Second in Command – if needed

D.  Insurance Requirements

1. Liability
2. Workman’s comp
3. Other

E.  Livestock management

1.  Source of animals and length of time comingled
2.  Health Certificates
3.  Quarantine Requirements
4.  Water Requirements
5.  Bedding Restrictions
6.  Access for Unloading and Reloading livestock
7.  Use of Guardian Animals

F.  Personnel management

1.  Location of camp site for herders –close to work site
2.  Restriction of public access to campsite

G.  Length of contract

1.  Start/Stop dates or phenological condition of vegetation and periods of exclusion
2.  Number of years for contract

H.  Notification

1.  List adjacent landowners: mailing address and phone numbers
2.  Specification of responsible party for notifying
3.   Signage – placement, types and responsible party (electric fence and dogs)
4.  News releases to inform public
   1. Restricted Access
   2. Explanation of Project

I.  Force Majeure Statement

Members

Committee Reports, Newsletters and Action Items

Committee Reports:

• 2017 Report – (138kb)
• 2016 Report – (132kb)
• 2015 Report – (136kb)
• 2014 Report
• 2013 Report – (250kb)
• 2012 Report – (65kb)
• 2011 Report – (pdf 290kb)
• 2010 Report – (pdf 281kb)
• 2009 Report – (pdf 189kb)

Newsletters:

• February 2012 – (pdf 100kb)

Action Items:

• 2012 Letter to the BOD RE Conservation Benefits – (pdf 70kb)