Grazing Grains Brings Both Ecological and Economic Benefits

Grazing Grains Brings Both Ecological and Economic Benefits

Although it is not common to see large herds of livestock roaming the grain-centric Palouse wheat growing region, Washington State University soil science grad student Jonathan Wachter says his research has demonstrated real benefits in adding livestock on a rotational basis to wheat and legumes.
The five-year research project worked in an annual cropping area on some ground that traditionally had been rotated between winter wheat, spring wheat, and legume rotation. Wachter says that his research added a three year rotation of pasture into the mix.
Wachter: “In keeping that for at three or more years. We are cutting hay off of it and also grazing that ground. Then after several years, we convert it back into crop ground. So what it does in makes a longer crop rotation and a more diverse crop rotation.”
Wachter shares some of the benefits of using such a crop rotation.
Wachter: “One of the big benefits we are seeing is really that we are building the soils tremendously. We are adding a lot of organic matter to the soil. We are fixing nitrogen from the alfalfa. We are reducing erosion. But also importantly we are finding a lot of benefit just from diversifying revenue sources. Rather than just relying on wheat sales and legume sales, we can now sell hay when hay prices are good. We have grazing sheep — so lamb sales as well.”
He says that while bringing livestock to a crop rotation does add to the work load, it also offers revenue flexibility.
If you are interested in learning more, please contact jonathan.wachter@email.wsu.edu.
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