Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
In the past, because of added expense and labor, fences for paddocks were
often neglected, but with today's modern electric fencing, there's really no
excuse not to create subdivided paddocks. These barriers don't have to be as
heavy or as high as perimeter fences — they also don't need to be predator- or
dog-proof. In fact, they can be created with temporary polywire and step-in
posts. (See more about fencing on pages 116-122.)
PADDOCK MANAGEMENT
When managing paddocks for sheep, try not to let the grass get too
tall before you turn in the sheep or they'll trample more than they
eat. When the grass has reached a height of 6 to 8 inches (15 to
20 cm), it's an ideal time for the sheep to enter the paddock. (If
you happen to be grazing your sheep with cattle or horses, begin
grazing the paddock when it's 8 to 12 inches [20 to 30 cm] high.)
Occasionally, especially in the spring, some paddocks may get too
long; you can mechanically clip — or mow — these paddocks for
hay or just leave the clippings on the fi eld as green manure.
C
B
A
The objective of clipping is to take off growth in the high-growth
part of the curve. Ideally, you would clip grass when it reaches
point C, taking it down to point B. Never clip below point A.
