How to Start Rotational Grazing
There are many things that are needed to rotationally graze your ground. A grazier needs to consider perimeter fences, but one of the most important aspects to contemplate is water. Access to clean water is a vital component of an animal's diet and health. Interestingly, clean water affects the weight of gain in calves, so it is also an important financial consideration. This post though will discuss what equipment facilitates the easiest transition from conventional grazing to rotational grazing after the initial considerations of water are resolved.
1. Step in posts
Notice the small white knob in the middle of the post? This is for a second wire for multi species grazing.
Single strand wire, pigtail posts, and reel all working together.
We have tried many different style of posts and when you are rotational grazing saving time is critical. We have found the step in posts with the pig tail at the top and a foot area for leverage works much more efficiently as well as effectively through rocks or drier soil. For our operation, these posts are more durable as well because there is nothing plastic that will break.
2. A 3:1 geared reel
If you decided to try rotational grazing, buying at least two or three reels will allow for more efficiency and less animal handling stress. One for the leading fence, one of the back fence, and one for the leading fence the next day. Having more than one will allow for set-up for the next paddock prior to moving. We like to set up the next paddock a day before it is needed.
3. Poly braid wire
Poly braid comes in a variety of sizes. We prefer the 9 strand for conductivity, but when they are out of stock, we buy the 6 strand. The 6 strand works just as well, so far. Unless you have a need for a long run, your investment of one roll of poly wire can be divided amongst your reels. Division will make them much easier and less tiresome to handle.
Zammer handle.
4. The ZAMMR Handles
The ZAMMR handles are the best thing since sliced bread when it comes to fencing for rotational grazing. It has two different areas that can hook to your fence. The stainless hook makes the fence "hot". The white hook keeps the wire from being "hot". These options of hooks on one handle allows you to keep tension while working and not get shocked. It also allows for connecting into a traditional barbed wire fence without grounding out all of your poly wire fence.
5. An Energizer for your fence
A fencer is the final piece of equipment critical for keeping the above supplies working correctly. Find a fencer appropriate for the type of animal or animals that will be contained and the distance of the all the wire required to be heated. Properly installed ground rod or rods, depending on fencer size, will be a necessity to make the fencer function correctly.
This list is the top 5 items that will make rotational grazing a little easier to tackle, but after getting started you may find other nuances that will work better for your program, for us it is our ATV and fence wagon. We have tried many rotational grazing items but these are the most efficient and cost effective for us to use on our operation. Once you are ready to tackle more extensive moves and you know how many animals your ground can handle consider installing permanent perimeter hi-tensil hot wire fences on at least one or two sides of where you are grazing. This extra fencing will create corridors making the daily move much easier.
Final word of advice..... I recommend comparing prices from a variety of places to find the best deal on each of these items individually. We are fortunate enough to live by Powerflex fence and drive down for supplies we need. Our local USDA office sells fencing supplies for rotational grazing at very reasonable prices, which might be an option to investigate in your area. We rarely purchase all of our items from one place; profit starts with saving money, so do your research before buying.
