,<\/span> cattle fences should be 54 inches tall.<\/span><\/p>\nWhat to look for when inspecting fences<\/span><\/p>\nHere\u2019s a checklist of things to look for when inspecting your fences to make sure they\u2019re in top condition:<\/span><\/p>\n\n- Check for Gaps<\/span><\/strong>: Look for any openings in the fence where livestock could squeeze through, especially at corners or along the bottom.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Inspect for Loose Posts<\/span><\/strong>: Ensure all fence posts are sturdy and <\/span>properly<\/span> set. Push gently to see if they wobble or are leaning.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Look for Damaged or Missing Rails<\/span><\/strong>: Examine rails for any breaks, cracks, or sections that have come loose.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Examine Wire Tension<\/span><\/strong>: Make sure the wires are tight and not sagging. Tension should be consistent across the entire fence line.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Check for Rust or Corrosion<\/span><\/strong>: Inspect metal parts for rust or corrosion that might weaken them over time.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Look for Broken or Bent Fencing Hardware<\/span><\/strong>: Examine nails, staples, and clips to ensure they\u2019re secure and not rusted or bent.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Check Gate Functionality<\/span><\/strong>: Ensure gates open and close <\/span>easily<\/span> without dragging or catching and that latches are secure.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Inspect for Vegetation<\/span><\/strong>: Look for any plants, shrubs, or trees growing along or through the fence that could weaken or damage it.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Check for Animal Damage<\/span><\/strong>: Look for signs of livestock trying to push through, chew on, or rub against the fence.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Examine Corner and End Posts<\/span><\/strong>: Ensure that corner and end posts are braced and stable to prevent bowing or bending.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Look for Weather Damage<\/span><\/strong>: Check for storm damage, such as fallen branches or debris, that may have caused issues with the fence.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
A quick, thorough fence inspection now can save you from <\/span>bigger<\/span> problems later!<\/span><\/p>\nMaximize Your Pasture\u2019s Potential with Paddock Rotation<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\nWhile inspecting your fences, it\u2019s a great time to consider whether you need to divide your pastures into smaller paddocks. Rotating livestock between paddocks gives certain areas a chance to rest and recover, which leads to healthier, more productive forages. By giving grass time to regrow, you can ensure it stays lush and nutritious for longer, benefiting both the land and your livestock.<\/span><\/p>\nNot only does rotating pastures prevent certain areas from being overgrazed, but it also ensures that grazing pressure is evenly spread across your land. This spread helps avoid under-utilized patches of grass while preventing overgrazing in areas that may not be able to keep up. A sound rotation system can make a big difference in your pasture\u2019s health and productivity throughout the year.<\/span><\/p>\nTip#3: Weed Control: Stay Ahead of Problem Plants<\/span><\/h2>\nWeed control is essential to any pasture management, not just in the spring. If your grass grows, you can bet that any weeds present will also grow. There are generally three ways that you can control weeds.<\/span><\/p>\nThe first way to control weed growth is to pick the right seed for your needs. Plants appropriate for your soil will be hearty and outcompete the weeds. The presence of weeds typically indicates a problem with your soil. The desirable grass or legumes aren\u2019t thriving while your weeds are. Correcting your growing conditions following your soil test should put a lid on weed growth.<\/span><\/p>\nHerbicides can effectively control different types of broadleaf weeds in the early spring while they are actively growing. When using herbicides, be careful because they may also kill any forages you want to keep. Also, you will want to remove any livestock from that pasture before you apply the herbicide so they do not ingest any of it.<\/span><\/p>\nMowing is another option, though it is only a temporary fix. If properly timed, mowing can prevent weeds from producing seed, thus temporarily allowing increased forage production. Mowing can be very helpful in managing weeds in pastures. Still, large weeds have a well-developed root system that makes them difficult to control.<\/span><\/p>\nTip#4: Overseed if Needed: Don\u2019t Miss Your Window<\/span><\/h2>\nFor best results, seed your pastures in the fall, but if you missed that window, don\u2019t worry. You can still put seeds out during this time of year, though you will just broadcast them instead of planting them.<\/span><\/p>\nTypically, overseeding takes place between mid-February and mid-March. If you are looking for a couple of ideas of what to plant, I have you covered:<\/span><\/p>\n\n- Option#1<\/span>: Plant spring oats- If you have cropland that does not currently have any winter pasture, then spring oats are a good idea. The recommended seeding rate is 2 to 3 bushels per acre or 65 to 100lbs per acre with about 50 to 100lbs nitrogen along with it<\/span><\/li>\n
- Option#2<\/span>: Ryegrass- Ryegrass is a good option if you have bermudagrass that is grazed short during this time of year. You should put out 15 to 20 lbs per acre by early March. Apply 50 to 100 <\/span>lbs<\/span> per acre of actual nitrogen when broadcasting seed.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Tip#5: Practice Pasture Rotation: The Secret to Long-Term Success<\/span><\/h2>\nAfter laying the foundation for pasture management, your work is still ongoing. You will need to make a plan to rest your pastures to allow enough regrowth. This rest period is necessary to promote better grazing and prevent any damage from overgrazing. Promoting this means rotating your pastures, which is required. The better you treat your pastures, the better they will treat your livestock.<\/span><\/p>\nIt may be tempting to turn your cows out to a pasture as soon as you see green growth, but that could not be good for you. Grazing pastures before they reach their ideal height can stunt their development for the rest of the year. Different types of forages will tolerate different grazing heights, so plan accordingly. Various kinds of forages have different ideal grazing heights. Still, overall, it is a good idea only to graze when it is 8-10\u2033 in height.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
![\"Maximize](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.westtexaslivestockgrowers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/SpringPasture.jpg?resize=300%2C184&ssl=1\")
Spring is just around the corner, which means rising temperatures and the return of fresh green grass. But don\u2019t wait for the warm weather to hit before you start thinking about pasture management\u2014it\u2019s crucial to get a head start now. By preparing early, you\u2019ll have time to plan and gather what you need to ensure a successful season.<\/span><\/p>\n