Keeping Grass in the Sweet Spot By Tom Krawiec

In this episode, Tom Krawiec explores the art and science of maximizing forage production by grazing pastures at just the right time—the “sweet spot”—before forages enter the reproductive stage. Speaking from over 20 years of careful record-keeping and hands-on experience, Tom challenges some widely held assumptions in the grazing community and offers a compelling case for a more nuanced approach to pasture recovery and soil health.

Drawing on insights from soil biologist Dr. Kris Nichols and grazing expert Jim Gerrish, Tom argues that long rest periods may actually reduce soil biological activity and forage yields—despite common belief. Instead, he urges graziers to focus on maintaining swards in a vegetative state, even if it means starting the grazing season before every paddock is “ready.”

🔑 Key Points Covered:

1. Defining the Sweet Spot: The optimal grazing window occurs just before most forage species (except outliers like Timothy and smooth brome) go to seed.

2. Manure as a Metric: Animal manure offers real-time feedback on forage quality and timing.

3. Soil Biology and Plant Exudates: Why vegetative plants feed soil microbes better than plants going to seed.

4. Production Data from the Field: Tom’s grazing charts reveal a pattern—too long a rest equals significantly lower forage yield.

5. Challenging the Diversity Debate: Does long rest truly create more biodiversity—or does sweet-spot grazing achieve the same with better production?

🌱 Actionable Insights:

1. Begin grazing before every paddock is ready to maintain a vegetative sward across your rotation.

2. Measure your results with stock days per acre (SDA) to track real productivity year over year.

3. Don’t let seed formation rob your soil of vital root exudates—keep the biology fed.

4. Focus on production and profitability as key indicators of success—not just theory or tradition.

5. Embrace a balance: stay open to soil biology and forage diversity, but let results on the ground lead your decision-making.

📌 For more insights and resources, visit us at StockmanGrassFarmer.digital for the latest articles, events, and course offerings.

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