What Do You Need To Do Before You Start Grazing This Spring?

Ahhhh spring is upon us! The air is fresh and the smell of rain (or snow) is letting me know that it’s springtime. Spring is also a challenging time for grazing because there are so many things we need to think about. You also need to think about what tools you need to start spring grazing. I’m here to help with a spring checkoff list! Let’s get started.

Reels

• What condition are your portable electric fencing reels in? Is the polybraid or polytape degraded and coming apart? It might be time to think of ordering more.
• How well does the reel do it job? That means reel! You might need to lubricate the bobbin or handle. Check it out.
• The Handle. Is the handle loose and wobbly? Tighten it up with a few wrenches!

Posts

• What are the condition of your posts? Plastic posts can degrade overtime when exposed to UV light, this is normal. Inspect their condition.
• If you are using metal pigtail posts, how is the insulation on them? Foam and some tape of some sort can help keep your posts insulated.
• The bottom. How sharp is the metal piece that you drive into the ground? Touch these up with a bench grinder.

ATV and Truck

• When was the last time you changed the oil? This is the single most important thing you can do to ensure the longevity of an internal combustion engine.
• Check fluids like: brake fluid, power steering and coolant. Don’t let a disaster happen!
• Tires. What is the condition of the tires? It pays to get new tires if you are uneasy about the old tires that have been on there for years.

Mineral, Salt and Other Supplements

• Do you have salt? Do you have mineral if you are using a mineral program? How much do you have?
• Do you have a salt/mineral feeder? What is the condition of it?

Grazing Plan

• It’s not too late to build a grazing plan. It takes a few hours on a piece of paper and I will cover that in more detail in a video. 
• Do you know where your livestock are going?
• Where will they be come November?

Exterior Fencing

• Everyone has holes in the fence. You know exactly what I’m talking about. Take a few hours and go fix ’em!
• If using electric fence, how are the connections where the livestock will be for their upcoming grazing?

Water

• This one should have been first. 
• What is the condition of the water sources that you will be using? Are the ponds full, is the creek running?
• If you are using any tanks or lines it pays to test them before your livestock are waiting at the tank for a drink!

Marketing

• What are you selling and when?
• Who are you selling to?
• Do you have a way to market your products, for example a website and facebook page?
• What is the current price for what it is you’ll be selling?

These are few things I have found are helpful to think about before we start grazing this spring. I hope you’ll help us by adding more ideas in the comments below! Thank you!