At the September Carroll County Young Farmers Meeting, guest speaker Terry Chandler challenged farmers to rethink traditional grazing systems and consider how management decisions can directly impact both profitability and long-term soil health. His insights shed light on practical strategies for building stronger, more resilient forage systems that can carry livestock operations forward for years to come.

Spring vs. Fall Calving

One of the key takeaways was the financial difference between spring and fall calving. Chandler emphasized that calving in sync with your forage availability can return as much as $500 more per head compared to calving during a time of the year that requires more supplemental feeding. The economics are clear: aligning calving with natural forage growth patterns reduces input costs and maximizes the value of available forage.

Stocking Rates and Forage Utilization

Chandler recommended increasing stocking rates by potentially adding 300–400 pound calves in the spring to take advantage of abundant forage growth. This approach ensures that excess forage is utilized efficiently while improving overall animal performance.

Rethinking Fertilizer and Lime

Many producers assume commercial fertilizer and lime are necessary expenses. Chandler challenged this mindset, noting that fertilizer and lime are often not needed if rotational grazing is practiced correctly. Healthy grazing systems recycle nutrients through manure and urine distribution, reducing dependency on costly inputs.

The Power of Organic Matter

Soil tests now show organic matter levels of 5–10 percent in well-managed pastures. This is no small achievement. Chandler reminded farmers that a 1% increase in organic matter releases roughly 20 pounds of additional nitrogen per acre, providing free fertility straight from the soil. It also has the storage capacity of (the equivalent of ) 1" of water per percent of organic matter. Improving soil biology through management practices is a long-term investment that pays big dividends.