By Blake Jackson
The grass-fed and grass-finished beef market has been steadily growing, particularly in the northeastern United States. Despite this expansion, there remains no universally accepted standard or definition for labeling beef as grass-fed, yet many producers continue to operate successfully in this niche.
For many grass-fed beef operations, achieving average daily gains of more than 2 pounds per day is a key production goal. Attaining this level of growth requires high-quality forage as the primary feed source. Whether cattle are grazing on pastures or consuming harvested forages, the timing of grazing and harvest is critical.
Once forages reach maturity and seedheads emerge, their nutritional value declines sharply, negatively impacting animal performance. With proper management, however, the common forage species in the region can provide sufficient nutrients to support daily gains above 2 pounds when harvested or grazed during the vegetative stage.
Implementing a rotational grazing system is recommended to maintain optimal forage quality. By restricting cattle to a small area at a time, selective grazing is minimized, and the remaining forage has an opportunity to regrow. This approach ensures that cattle consistently have access to high-quality, vegetative plant material while the land rests between grazing periods.
During periods when pasture is unavailable, grass-fed producers must plan carefully to provide quality stored feed, such as dry hay or baleage. As forages mature, the levels of indigestible components like lignin increase, while crude protein and total digestible nutrients decline, reducing their feed value.
By prioritizing forage quality and proper grazing management, grass-fed beef operations can support healthy cattle growth and maintain productivity throughout the year.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-r-j-seymour
Categories: Pennsylvania, Livestock, Beef Cattle, Dairy Cattle