Alternative livestock grazing systems: What is mob grazing?
What is mob grazing?
In a nutshell, mob grazing is a grassland management practice where herds graze a paddock at high intensity for a very short duration (usually 1–3 days). It differs from rotational grazing in that paddocks are rested for much longer between grazing sessions and grazed when there is much greater grass cover.
Why are UK farmers adopting mob grazing?
If you’ve never heard the term before, you’d be forgiven for thinking that mob grazing is a new fad that’s likely to die down soon. However, while the practice originated in the US, it’s become increasingly popular among UK farmers in recent years, especially those aiming for more sustainable farming practices.
Mob grazing pros and cons
Farmers who practice mob grazing say that longer inter-grazing periods give paddocks more time to recover. Some also argue that the practice can help offset carbon emissions because livestock require less bought-in feed, and grass develops deeper root systems, storing more carbon underground.
Here are some additional pros and cons:
Pros
- Lower costs: As the AHDB points out, mob grazing allows farmers to extend the shoulders of the year, with livestock spending less time indoors and reducing feed costs.
- Pasture resilience: Mob grazing gives grasses more time to recover between grazing events, improving root structure, building soil resilience, and increasing soil organic matter.
- Reduced worming: Long pasture rest periods can help break parasite life cycles. Grazing taller grass also means animals have less contact with parasites, as many parasitic larvae live near the soil surface.
- Time savings: Running livestock in bigger groups means less time spent handling multiple groups. However, it’s worth noting that the need for frequent moves may offset this to some degree.
Cons
- Learning curve: Developing a mob grazing strategy that suits your farm often involves trial and error, with potentially destructive consequences for your pastures.
- Unexpected costs: As part of the learning curve, farmers may need to buy in feed unexpectedly. Naturally, this will cost more than if the forage had been planned in advance.
- Infrastructure requirements: Investing in new fencing, or moving sections of fencing every day, is both costly and labour-intensive.
Another point worth noting is that there has been little research done into how mob grazing performs under UK conditions. An initial study by ADAS showed only limited environmental benefits compared with conventional or rotational grazing. Research from the US has also provided evidence that the practice may limit livestock growth.
Is mob grazing worth it?
The honest answer is that it’s difficult to say, given the limited data currently available for UK farmers. While there may be some potential for cost savings and land management benefits, there are also potential risks, especially under the current challenging farming conditions in the UK.
Our advice? If you decide to try a new grazing management system such as mob grazing, make sure you plan for potential feed emergencies. Keeping high-quality silage on hand and storing bales securely goes a long way towards mitigating the risk.
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