cows-n-crops - 8/31/2025 04:29
WCWI - 8/30/2025 21:18
Would be a good way to build your soil fertility up, my question though in the scenario Cows & crops laid out is what do you do in the mud season or when you get a prolonged rainy spell?
That there is the problem.
In an overstocked pasture scenario need to be able to feed in different parts of the pasture or have a really good rock base or concrete set up with the bunks. On top of a HILL! With really good drainage!
Or be able to move them to a fresh pasture.
Or just have a dedicated sacrifice area. Because it's gonna happen.
Not sure how beef cows will take to that, but I can tell you from experience when I was milking cows we capped the silo and cows did a good job of grazing, but as soon as you opened the silo the pasture had to be really nice or they would not be able to "find" anything.
A dry lot will have its issues with mud season and rain all the time too. Fresh bedding, scours, scraping pens, etc.
Spring vs. Fall calving could make a difference on the approach.
I just think the double stocked pasture environment gives the cows and calves more room to run and get away from the mud at the feeding area. A cow is designed to walk and graze, but they can be lazy. If they don't have to go anywhere they won't. Feed them enough 'goodies' so they get what they need, but leave them hungry enough to go graze.
Dry lotting cows quick math
