best method to mimic historical grazing regimes. Rotational grazing allows brief, intense grazing followed by a period of rest. Native grazers, such as bison or elk, are ideal, although domestic cattle, sheep, or goats will also work. The species of grazer used will substantially affect the end results. For example, bison (in comparison to cattle) will preferentially graze on grasses, increasing wildflower diversity. Sheep and goats prefer weeds to grasses. Goats have proven especially useful in controlling difficult species such as Honeysuckle or Multiflora Rose. Goats can also be used for species such as sumac, with high re-sprouting ability following prescribed fire. 

The timing and intensity of grazing can be the most influential component to achieving desired results. For example, non-native cool-season grasses such as Smooth Brome can be best controlled with brief, intense grazing in mid-April to May. Grazing is best utilized in combination with other management, such as prescribed burning.

Grazing systems can be designed to target certain problem species or to improve the overall quality of a prairie or savanna. Managing natural areas through grazing can create a win-win situation for both land managers and livestock producers.

 
Text Box: Grazing for Native Prairie Management

Garlic Mustard Control

2

Local Volunteer Opportunities

2

Feature Plant and Animal

3

Filter Strips—A Commitment to Conservation

3

Mills County SWCD Purchases New Seeder

4

Volume 2, Issue 3

October 2006
Text Box: Loess Hills Conservation Text Box: Newsletter Funded By: the Loess Hills Alliance, Mills County Soils & Water Conservation District, West Pottawattamie County Soil & Water Conservation District, and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Text Box: Iowa’s native prairies have evolved throughout history with wildfire and grazing. Over 40 million bison once grazed Iowa prairies, often following wildfires to graze on tender, new grass shoots. In addition to browsing, disturbances were created by uprooting vegetation, trampling, and wallowing. In the absence of wildfires and grazing, most native prairies that remain today are threatened by the encroachment of trees and brush and the influx of invasive species. Typical management of these problems often includes manual or mechanical control, usually at a high-cost to landowners. The re-introduction of grazing can be a valuable tool for both restoration and management. In addition to brush management and invasive species control, benefits of grazing includes increased diversity of plant heights, greater species diversity, and an increase in wildlife species able to use the site. Grazing can make an area more appealing to grassland species such as the Grasshopper Sparrow, Meadowlark, and the Regal Fritillary butterfly. Livestock also benefits from the nutrition provided by native vegetation. Native prairie grasses are more nitrogen efficient than cool-season pasture grasses. Native bush-clovers are high-tannic legumes, making proteins more digestible. A rotational grazing system is the