Livestock and hay

Forage production for livestock

Prescribed burning warm season grasses used for livestock grazing is primarily done to control weeds, cool season grasses and woody plants, reduce litter accumulation and rotate grazing pressure. A burning frequency of two to three consecutive years out of every five to six years will usually maintain a highly productive grassland.

Burning can shift grazing pressure. Grazers are attracted to the vigorously growing grasses on burned areas. Previously grazed areas will usually not carry a fire and will be grazed less, allowing plants to recover from heavy grazing. Research in the Kansas bluestem range has shown that steers and heifers gain 10 to 12 percent more weight following late spring burns than on either unburned or early spring burned pastures. This response is attributed to the increased availability of higher quality forage in early summer. The benefits are gained only during the year of burning.

Hayed prairies

Hayed prairies should be burned two or three years in a row every five to six years to control cool season grasses, woody sprouts, reduce mulch buildup and stimulate tillering of warm season grasses. Timing is usually in the spring but may also be late summer/fall or winter to benefit forbs and wildlife. Hayed or grazed prairies should always be burned to control weeds prior to applying fertilizer. Neither burning nor fertilizing is a substitute for good haying or grazing practices. A prairie in poor condition must be restored to a healthier condition before it will respond to a burn or fertilizer.