| Grassland Evaluation Contest Study Guide | Sixth Edition: August 2009 |
| Grassland Evaluation Contest Rules - District & State | |
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Spot-grazed: Spot-grazing is actually a form of over-grazing in which spots or patches of a pasture are grazed too frequently. Spot-grazing occurs during periods of active forage growth when livestock graze spots in a pasture while allowing other areas of the field to become mature and unpalatable. The regrowth of the grazed forage in spots is often more palatable than the forage left ungrazed so the grazing animals frequently re-graze new growth of these spots. Spot-grazed fields have uneven forage heights and the forage in the grazed spots may become weak and thin if cattle remain in the field too long. Spot-grazing often occurs when livestock density or number in a pasture is too low for the current forage conditions. Frequent pasture rotation will improve the condition of spot grazed pastures. Evenly grazed: Evenly grazed pastures, as the description implies, have a generally uniform grazing height, thick stands, good forage vigor, and respond well to good management. These pastures often have a good mix of grasses and/or legumes present. Some spot-grazed areas may be present, but make up less than 20% of the field.
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