Planning for winter feed is an important step in beef cattle operations. Alternatives include stockpiling, corn stalk grazing and bale grazing. Swath grazing -- also known as windrow grazing -- has recently gained interest as an additional option. It has potential to reduce time and fuel costs associated with baling, hauling and feeding out hay. It consists of growing annual grasses, cutting them in late fall and gathering forage in windrows. Animals, typically dry beef cows due to their lower nutritional requirements, are allowed to graze the forage. The practice is popular in western Canada and some U.S. locations, but it is not widespread in the Midwest.
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