Adaptive Multi-Paddock Grazing — FarmPal
Intensive rotational grazing that mimics natural herd migration patterns, building soil and grassland health through animal impact.
Time to Results
1-2 years for visible pasture improvement; 5-10 years for significant soil building
Key Principles
- •High stock density for short duration prevents overgrazing
- •Adequate recovery allows plants to fully regrow before regrazing
- •Animal impact (trampling, manure) cycles nutrients and builds soil
- •Mimics natural predator-prey dynamics that evolved grasslands
- •Observation and adaptation are essential no fixed recipe
Implementation
Infrastructure
1-3 months setup
- • Install permanent perimeter fencing
- • Set up portable electric fencing system
- • Establish water points accessible to all paddocks
Paddock Design
Ongoing planning
- • Divide pasture into many small paddocks (30-100+)
- • Size paddocks for 1-3 day grazing periods maximum
- • Calculate stock density (aim for high-density, short duration)
Adaptive Management
Daily attention
- • Move animals based on grass observation, not calendar
- • Adjust recovery periods based on season and growth rate
- • Monitor grass height and plant species composition
Benefits
- •Dramatic improvement in grass production and species diversity
- •Soil carbon sequestration (can offset methane emissions)
- •Improved water infiltration and reduced runoff
- •Enhanced wildlife habitat (ground-nesting birds, etc.)
- •Reduced input costs (fertilizer, hay)
How to Measure
Grass height before and after grazing
Recovery days between grazings
Species diversity in pasture
Animal performance (daily gain, body condition)
Soil organic matter changes over time
Water infiltration rate