Rotational Grazing VS. Mowing? - Homesteading Chores
About 4.5 acres of our property is grassy and needs maintained (There is about an acre of unattended wooded area). This past year we dedicated about 2 acres to the horses. They are doing a great job of keeping the grass level back there. But what about the front 2.5 acres where the horse don't roam freely?
We are experimenting with running temporary fence and electrical tape around certain areas to concentrate the horses in smaller areas for short amounts of time. This allows us to keep them out of areas that we do not want them, but puts them on fresh lush green grass.
The horses seem to be ok with this so far. Notice in this photo that one thin strip of white tape? That is the same kind of tape that is in the back with a small electric charge running through it. It only takes a little tap to remind them that they shouldn't approach the fence. We only keep the horses in these small areas of green grass for a couple of hours per day so they don't get bored and want to start testing the fence.
I wonder if I could manage the farm throughout the season and never run the mower?
I do have this nice mower shown in this video below. It works really well on this property with all the trees that I have to go around. Do you think it would be possible to manage my property with just animals and never have to mow?
Mowing is primarily for the looks some what for weed control and flower rejuvenation. You may want to mow for fire control. But flower rejection should be enough. Grazing is a great option as it fertilizes at the same time. No pollution or fuel mower matinance expense.
Greetings very good post I follow and vote
I want to go back to the field!
From the looks of the ground, there's probably weeds that the horses won't eat. So you'd need to mow those, for seed control. If you had just grass, you might be able to get away with not mowing. So much depends on precipitation, if you're not irrigating. The pernicious weeds can outcompete the grasses in times of drought. At least you have a nice mower! ; )
Gotta love free lawn care services and there is a plus to it as well free fertilizer!!
I believe you could absolutely do lawn control using just animals. There might be certain weeds/plants that they won't or can't eat, but if you just pull them whenever you can they should eventually come under control. I'm passionate about finding natural ways to keep all potential problems contained. For me mowing with animals provides them fodder you don't have to collect or buy and they will also fertilise as they go. Geese are great in orchards for weed control, chickens and ducks help with pest control.
As long as you're rotating you may be surprised. It's good to keep them off their regular pasture for a week to let the grass get a chance to bounce back. If there's one species that can destroy pasture by overgrazing, it would be horses.
The goats would be good to help keep weeds down to...if they'll stay home. Big emphasis on "if" 😉
@daddykirbs, I definitely need a visit from the horses. Some of the grass in my back acreage is over 2 feet tall, and green as emeralds.