Eastern Iowa Farmer Spring 2017

managing your soil
rotate the cattle based on that
information.
“We try to be diligent about
not grazing new regrowth,” he
said, adding that he prefers to
wait until the grass is 12- to 14-
inches tall. He also will “flash”
graze cattle in the timber to
contribute to regrowth.
“As we started to understand
the mechanics of how to build
organic matter, we started to
work hard to see how to develop
and increase it,” he said.
Hostetler calls his foray into
rotational grazing “a work in
progress.” It requires having a
good handle on your ground’s
paddocks, acres, types of plants,
projected grazing needs and
structural improvements such as
fences, water developments, etc.
“I know if I get soil health
right, most everything else will
come into line. That is exciting
for us,” he said. “The journey
is exciting. For me to see nature
harmonize, to me that’s one
of the beauties of what we do.
We are trying to make a contribution
to soil health, not take
anything away.” n
— Nancy mayfield,
eastern iowa farmer
Developing a
Grazing Plan
n Take a resource inventory that identifies:
Existing plant health and quantity
Opportunities to enhance plant conditions
Paddocks, acres and the location of
structural improvements such as fences,
water developments, etc. using a plan map
Ecological sites or forage suitability groups
when available
n Take a forage inventory of the expected
forage quality, quantity and species in each
management unit.
n Take a forage-animal balance (carrying
capacity) for the grazing plan that identifies
forage surpluses and deficiencies for the kind
and class of grazing livestock, and browsing
wildlife of concern.
n Develop a contingency plan that adjusts the
grazing prescription in case of flood, drought,
insects, etc.
n Monitor data and grazing records regularly to
ensure objectives are met or to make necessary
changes.
Source: Natural Resources Conservation Service
The CPA. Never Underestimate the Value.
Front row, left to right: Deb Behn, Senior accountant, Savanna; Mary Stephany, office administrator, Maquoketa; Gloria Miner, CPa, Savanna; Cassie
Corrigeux, Staff accountant, Savanna; Michele Meade, CPa, Clinton; and Cheri Piper, Senior accountant, Savanna. Back row, left to right: Mark Garman,
CPa, Maquoketa; arlene lyon, CPa, Maquoketa; Susan Green, Clerical, Maquoketa; John Gilroy, CPa, Maquoketa; Jenessa Bormann, Senior auditor,
Clinton; and David Meade, CPa, Clinton
Maquoketa 563-652-5143
Savanna 815-273-2315
Clinton 563-243-0280
Galena 815-777-2675
www.mgmaccountants.com
Maquoketa • Savanna • Clinton • Galena
spring 2017 | Eastern Iowa Farmer 55