Grazing Management

Grazing management is nothing new to the islands there are many examples in the past of rotational or managed grazing systems that have been successful. But now with the advent of reliable electric fencing systems two and three wire electric fencing can now be used to split up camps and make better use of the feed on offer.

There are now several experimental grazing management systems set up on East and West Falkland. These systems use an intensive method of grazing through 8 to 15 paddocks during summer. Other camps are then spelled and used during joining and lambing. By doing this feed on offer to stock is of higher quality and rested paddocks can be used more efficiently in a yearly rotation. Benefits to date are being seen in easier stock handling due to more contact, maintenance of animal production and healthier pastures.

Changes in plant species and the production of sheep in these managed grazing systems are being monitored to demonstrate the longer term benefits of this management system.

A simulated grazing trial carried out at Fitzroy has demonstrated over several years that managed grazing can lead to 2-3 times as much dry matter production as a set stocking system in the Falkland Islands.

In 2008 the DOA brought in grazing management specialist Jim Gerrish to continue the training of DOA staff in grazing management skills.

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Falkland Islands Government

Background picture supplied by Siân Ferguson