Improving Grazing Management:

FACT SHEET Measure to Manage

February 2013

Improving Grazing Management:

Measure to Manage
FARMING connect
Many years of sound
research have determined
the amounts of grass needed
to optimise performance
on livestock farms. The key
to success in managing
perennial ryegrass based
grazing systems is regularly
measuring the sward and
responding to grass growth
in order to provide the right
amount of grass to meet
livestock needs.
1 www.menterabusnes.co.uk/farmingconnect
Measuring swards takes time and the investment is worthwhile
as acting on the results will:
• improve utilisation of grazing
• optimise animal intakes
• reduce grass waste
• prevent swards becoming stemmy
• maintain sward tiller density and quality through the grazing season
• produce high levels of livestock performance
Regular measuring shows how much grass there is and how its availability
is changing week to week. It is the best way to balance stocking rate to
sward growth. There are three basic ways of measuring swards; sward
height, cutting and drying sward samples and counting ryegrass leaves.
Sward height can be converted into the weight of grass in kilograms
of dry matter per ha (kg DM/ha) known as cover or mass.
In addition to quantifying how much grass is available in grazing fields
and when to graze, sward measurement records can be used to draw
individual farm annual grass growth curves to help predict grass growth
in future seasons and plan the grazing to take into account estimates
of livestock requirements, current sward growth and anticipated
future growth.
Measurement methods
Sward height
Any tool that can measure height in centimetres
(cm) can be used, including a sward stick, a rising
plate meter, a ruler, a walking stick/alkathene pipe
or even wellington boots with a scale drawn up
the side. Measure to the top of the grass leaf with
a sward stick or ruler – don’t measure stems, flower
heads or weeds. Everyday items of known size are
often used as handy guides including golf balls,
matchboxes and beer cans.
Cover/Mass
Some measurement tools including sward sticks
and rising plate meters give readings in kg DM/ha.
In New Zealand conversion formulae have been
calculated for each season and different regions.
In the UK DairyCo have developed a widely used
equation based on research results. No calibrations
have been made for beef and sheep farmers under
Welsh conditions so it is not clear if the generic
equation developed by DairyCo is suitable for
beef and sheep farms as sward heights are lower
under sheep systems.
To improve accuracy, plate meters can be calibrated
following manufacturer’s instructions, to account for
changes in sward conditions over the season and
between seasons.
An alternative method of measuring cover that
does not require the calibration of a measuring
tool is to cut and dry sward samples.
01970 636565
Improving Grazing Management:
Measure to Manage
How to use sward sticks and plate meters:
• Walk across a field in a W pattern.
• Avoid gateways, hedge lines and any areas that
are not representative of the field in general.
• If the field has a definite split between wet and dry
areas it is a good idea to measure them separately.
• Aim to take at least 30 measurements in each field
when the sward is even.
• Up to 100 measurements may be needed if the
sward is patchy.
• Measure the grazing area at least once a week
during the growing season.
• For consistent results the same person should measure
the sward using the same method each time.
• Record the results in a note book or smartphone
app e.g. farmGRAZE.
• Calculate the average measurement for the field.
Remember
• Measurements are only ever a guide - none of
the methods gives an absolute measure and each
has limitations.
• The greater the number of measurements,
the more accurate the results are likely to be.
• Measurements do not take into account the quality
of the sward: dry, dead material is low feed value!
• With practice, rough measurements can be made
by eye, but there is no real substitute for walking
fields, looking at the sward and measuring it.
2
FARMING connect
Cutting and drying sward samples
Cutting and drying sward samples shows the grass
available for grazing in kg DM/ha and will highlight the
dry matter content of a sward. As well as accounting
for sward height this method takes into account the
density of the sward which is particularly important
when it is very wet, tiller density is low or where
there is a high proportion of white clover. It is also
a useful way of calibrating measuring equipment
and can be used to provide the information to re-set
the rising plate formulae for different seasons and
Cutting and drying method
• Select an area of sward at random using a quadrat
0.1m2 and cut to 4cm above ground level.
• Accurately weigh the sample in grammes
on digital scales and record – Weight 1.
• Dry the sample either in a conventional oven
at 80℃ for up to 20 hours or microwave
on high for 4 minutes.
• After 4 minutes weigh the sample again and
return to microwave for 1 minute.
• After 1 minute reweigh and if the weight is the
same as the previous one then stop drying; if the
sample has lost weight continue drying until two
consecutive readings are the same - Weight 2.
- Conventional oven: spread the sample loosely
in a heatproof container
- Microwave oven: you may need to put a small
glass of water in with the sample if drying for
longer than 10 minutes
3 www.menterabusnes.co.uk/farmingconnect
swards and cross check rising plate meter readings
and visual assessments.
Dry matter available can be matched to dry matter
intake of stock (kg DM). As a rule of thumb average
dry matter intake (kg) is around 1.5% of liveweight
for dry stock, 3% of liveweight for growing and
lactating stock and 2.3% of liveweight other classes
of stock. Your nutritionist can give more accurate
information based on stage of lactation and growth.
Calculating available sward dry matter %
and yield (kg DM/ha) from cut sample results
Step 1: Calculate the Dry Matter %
Weight 2
Weight 1 x 100
Step 2: Calculate the cover in kg DM/ha
Weight 2 x 100
Improving Grazing Management:
Measure to Manage
Three leaf grazing
This method is based on the research that shows the optimal time
to graze ryegrass swards are when the plants have three live leaves.
It involves adjusting rest and graze times based on counting and averaging
the number of live leaves and is used in rotational grazing systems.
Three leaf grazing method
• Pick ten ryegrass plants in the field that the stock are about to graze.
• Count the number of new leaves on each plant and record;
ignore any leaves previously grazed, identified by cut ends.
• Work out the average number of leaves/tiller.
• Re-graze when the number of live leaves per plant averages as close
to three as possible.
• Where there are less than three live leaves - the time taken to reach
this stage can be estimated:
Step 1: Calculate leaf appearance rate
number of days since last grazing
the number of leaves plant
Step 2: Multiply result by 3 gives the average time for a plant to
produce three leaves and hence should be ready for grazing.
01970 636565 4
FARMING connect Improving Grazing Management:
Measure to Manage

Advantages and disadvantages of

different sward measuring methods
Ruler/sward stick
(Free from levy bodies and seed merchants) Cutting and drying sward samples (from £15)
• Direct method to calculate mass in kg DM/ha and cross check visual
assessments and measurements
• Cheap and practical • Provides opportunity to observe quality of sward
• Provides opportunity to observe quality of sward
• A microwave/conventional oven, wire quadrat, shears and accurate
• Involves bending to measure sward height digital scales are needed
• Note book or smart phone app (for example farmGRAZE) • Note book needed to keep records
needed to keep records

Rising plate meter (from £300)

• Can measure while walking: no bending down Three leaf method (No tools needed)
• Electronic version will calculate average measurement
• Cheap and practical
for a field in cm or kg DM/ha
• Provides opportunity to observe quality of sward
• Provides opportunity to observe quality of sward
• Not affected by slope of fields, low sward heights or presence
of stems
• Works best on level fields
• Less accurate than sward sticks at low sward heights and when grass
stems are present • Note book needed to keep records
• Note book or smart phone app (for example farmGRAZE)
needed to keep records

Sward measurement targets

Quad mounted rising plate meter/ultra sound reading head The sward targets highlighted on the following pages
(from £3000) are suitable for use with sward sticks, rising plate meters,
ultrasound meters and sward sampling. Grazing at the
• Quick suggested levels will keep grass actively growing and
• Takes continuous readings - more accurate if calibrated correctly
• Includes computing capacity to store measurements and field
ensure it is grazed at the best stage to optimise grass
information and download to computer and livestock growth. The best way to achieve the targets
is to measure the grass. If sward measurement changes
• High initial capital outlay from target, the stocking rate can be adjusted by
• Operator may not observe quality of the sward either changing the number of stock, altering the
• Ultra sound reading head: set up on quad bike can take time area or introducing supplementary feed.
and measuring can only be carried out by 1 person
The height of pasture growth relative to a wellington
boot can provide a useful practical reference point -
5 www.menterabusnes.co.uk/farmingconnect 01970 636565
4cm roughly equates to heel height while ankle
height grass is usually around 7cm. These are just
guidance, and it must be remembered that measuring
with a sward stick, plate meter or using the three
leaf method will give you the more accurate
information you will need to achieve optimum
animal performance.
Sward sticks and plate meters measure all the grass
in a sward to ground level. For optimal re-growth
of the sward and stock performance the base of
the sward should not be grazed - this is represented
by the post graze targets.
6
FARMING connect Improving Grazing Management:
Measure to Manage

Beef cattle sward Sheep sward

height guidelines (cm) height guidelines (cm)
Livestock type Time of year Rotational Continuous Notes Livestock type Time of year Rotational Continuous Notes
(cm) (cm)
Pre-graze Post-graze Pre-graze Post-graze
(cm) (cm) (cm) (cm)

Lactating suckler Turnout to May 10 - 14 4-5 5-6 Provide the right amount of supplementary Ewes and lambs Turnout to April 8 - 10 4-5 4 Provide supplementary feed until
cows/bulling heifers feed to meet stock dry matter and energy sward height reaches 4cm (remember
requirements. stock mineral requirements).
Aim for gradual increase.
Remember livestock mineral needs.
May to weaning 8 - 10 4-6 4-6
June to July 12 - 15 7-8 7-8

Aug to Nov 12 - 15 8-9 7-9 Graze to 5cm with dry stock Nov/Dec. Dry ewes July to Aug - - 4 plus Increase from 4cm for condition score
less than 3 if ewes need to gain weight.
Dry suckler cows - - - 4 Check condition.
Increase to 5-6cm for thin cows;
restrict grazing for fat cows. Pre-tupping Sept to Nov 8 - 10 4-5 6-8 Check condition: restrict grazing
for fat ewes.
Growing/finishing Turnout to May 10 - 12 5-6 5-6 Increase by 1-2cm for finishing cattle
cattle through season. Weaned lamb July to Sept 10 - 12 5-7 6-8 Allow gradual increase.
for finishing Check lamb growth rate targets.
June to July 10 - 14 6-7 6-7 Sward height should gradually increase
through season. Store lambs July to start of 4 4 4 Increase sward height from 4cm
finishing period to increase stock growth rate.
Aug to Sept 10 - 15 7-8 7-8
In lamb ewe 1 month post 6-8 4 - Aim for dry matter intakes of 1kg/ewe
Weaned stores - 7-9 5 5-7 Sward height should gradually increase “All Winter Grazing” tupping a day for 50 days starting 1 month post
through season (1-2cm). tupping then 1.25kg/ewe to lambing.
Grass quality assumed 10.5ME.
Condition score regularly - remove ewes
with score below 2.5. Provide minerals
as necessary.

7 www.menterabusnes.co.uk/farmingconnect 01970 636565 8

FARMING connect Improving Grazing Management:
Measure to Manage

Dairy cows sward

height guidelines (cm) Cover/Mass guidelines
Livestock Type Graze Period Rotational Continu- Notes Sward height and density can be converted into mass The height of pasture growth relative to a wellington
Pre-graze Post-graze *Interval
ous (kilograms of dry matter per hectare) using equations boot can provide a useful practical reference point -
(cm)
(cm) (cm) days that have been developed by scientists. Mass is measured a 1500kg DM/ha field cover roughly equates to heel
Lactating cows/ Turnout to May 10 - 15 4-5 16 - 20 6-7 Provide the right amount of supplementary in dry matter as water does not count when it comes height while ankle height grass represents a cover of
bulling heifers feed to meet stock dry matter and energy to nutrient needs so kilograms of dry matter per hectare around 2000kg DM/ha. These are just guidance, and it
requirements. (kg DM/ha) is the standard measurement. The equation must be remembered that measurement with a sward
Top to 5cm if sward height is exceeded. that converts height to kg DM is only ever a guide and stick, plate meter or using the three leaf method will
Check your stock condition score and grass should be regularly checked to see that it is being give you the more accurate information you will need
growth rate targets. grazed at the right stage of growth. to achieve maximum utilisation.
June to July 12 - 15 7-8 20 - 24 7-8 Swards above target in May should

Beef cattle grazing cover/mass

be topped by early June.
Aug to Sept 12 - 18 8-9 24 - 28 8-9

guidelines (kg DM/ha)

Oct to Housing 12 - 15 6-7 Variable 6-7 All early/mid lactation cows will
need supplements at this time.

Dry cows N/A 4-5 - 4-5 Note cow condition score.

Livestock type Graze Period Rotational Continuous Notes
*Rotation interval given as a guide only - it may need to be varied. Post-graze sward height is the primary decision driver. Pre-graze Pre-graze Post-graze
(kg DM/ha)
sward height and rotation interval give information to assess ‘paddock skipping’ and ‘buffer grazing’ in forward planning of grazing area. (kg DM/ha) (kg DM/ha)

In continuous grazing systems, research has shown that stocking rate adjustments can be made based on the information in table Lactating suckler Turnout to May 2400 1500 2000 Provide supplementary feed until sward
below. cows/bulling heifers mass reaches 2000kg DM/ha (remember
stock mineral requirements).
Aim for gradual increase if possible.

Guideline stocking rate changes needed (percent of current stocking) when sward height measurement June to July 2600-3000 1500 2300-2500
changes from target
Aug to Nov 2700-3000 1500 2300-2500 Graze to 1500kg DM/ha with dry stock Nov/Dec.

Change in height over previous week Dry suckler cows - 1800 1500 1900 Note condition. Increase mass for thin
cows; restrict grazing for fat cows.
Current height Decrease No change Increase
Growing/finishing Turnout to May 2400 1500 2000 Increase mass for finishing cattle through
High 0 +10 +20 season.
cattle
On Target -10 0 +10 June to July 2600-3000 1500 2300-2500 Sward mass should be gradually increasing.

Low -20 -10 0 Aug to Sept 2700-3000 1500 2300-2500

Source: Hodgson et al Weaned stores - 2200-2700 1500 1900 Increase mass to increase stock
growth rates.

9 www.menterabusnes.co.uk/farmingconnect 01970 636565 10

FARMING connect Improving Grazing Management:
Measure to Manage

Sheep grazing cover/mass Dairy cows grazing cover/mass

guidelines (kg DM/ha) guidelines (kg DM/ha)
Livestock type Graze Period Rotational Continuous Notes Livestock Type Graze Period Rotational Continu- Notes
(kg DM/ha) ous
Pre-graze Post-graze Pre-graze Post-graze Interval (kg DM/ha)
(kg DM/ha) (kg DM/ha) (kg DM/ha) (kg DM/ha) days

Ewes and lambs Turnout to April 2000 1500 1750 Provide supplementary feed until sward Lactating cows/ Turnout to May 2400 1500 16 - 20 2000 Provide the right amount of supplementary
mass reaches 1750kg DM/ha (remember bulling heifers feed to meet stock dry matter and energy
stock mineral requirements). requirements.
Aim for gradual increase if possible.
Remember stock mineral requirements.
May to weaning 2200-2400 1500 1800 Top to 5cm if sward height is exceeded.
Check stock condition score and growth
Dry ewes July to Aug 1700-1900 1500 1800 Reduce sward mass for condition score rate targets.
above 3.
June to July 2800-3000 1500 20 - 24 2200-2300 Swards above target in May should
be topped by early June.
Pre-tupping Sept to Nov 1700-2100 1500 1900 Note condition: restrict grazing Aug to Sept 3000-3200 1500 24 - 28 2300-2500
for fat ewes.
Oct to Housing 3000 1500 Variable 2300 All early/mid lactation cows will need
Weaned lamb July to Sept 2100 1700 2400 Allow gradual increase. - 3200 - 2500 supplements at this time.
for finishing Check stock growth rate targets.

Store lambs July to start of 1900 1500 1500 Increase sward height to increase Dry cows 1500 1500 - 1500 Note cow condition score: for thin cows
finishing period lamb growth. - 1800 - 1800 increase pasture mass.

In-lamb ewe 1 month post 2500 1500 - Aim for dry matter intakes of 1kg/ewe
“All Winter Grazing” tupping a day for 50 days starting 1 month post
tupping then 1.25kg /ewe to lambing.

Additional uses for sward measurement

Grass quality assumed 10.5ME. Condition
score regularly; remove ewes with score
below 2.5. Provide minerals as necessary.

records to improve grazing

In addition, identifying how much grass is available in grazing fields from sward measurement records can
be used to draw individual farm annual grass growth curves to help predict grass growth in future seasons
and plan the grazing to take into account estimates of livestock requirements, current sward growth and
anticipated future growth.

11 www.menterabusnes.co.uk/farmingconnect 01970 636565 12

FARMING connect

Summary Contact
Approximately 50% of the grass grown in Wales is wasted, measuring For more information on
swards and acting on the results will reduce waste and improve livestock Farming Connect services
performance and farm profitability. and events, contact us:

Action Plan Phone

01970 636565
• Plan a grazing system for your farm (Farming Connect fact sheet
‘Grazing Systems’).
e-mail
• Measure swards regularly at least once a week in the growing season farmingconnect@
and use the sward height targets to guide management decisions on menterabusnes.co.uk
stocking level, grazing area or supplementary feeding.
website
www.menterabusnes.co.uk
Authors: Sue Buckingham, Heather McCalman, Huw Powell; /farmingconnect
IBERS Grassland Development Centre
Images courtesy of IBERS GDC
(excluding image on page 4 and second image on page 6).
Catch up with all the latest
news from Farming Connect
by joining our online community.
Follow us on:

Facebook
facebook.com/farmingconnect

twitter
@farmingconnect

Farming Connect support,

guidance and training is delivered
by Menter a Busnes on behalf
of the Welsh Government

Richard Rogers, Bodrida Farm

with a sward stick and plate meter

13