Optimal Rangeland Management for Sustainable Livestock Farming

Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Potchefstroom, South Africa

Abstract: Rangeland is often described as the farmer’s cheapest fodder source. Although there is inherently nothing wrong with this statement, it is only true if the rangeland is in a good condition. To obtain a rangeland that is in good condition it is necessary to practice optimal rangeland management. With optimal rangeland management an endeavor is made to maintain the long-term productivity of the rangeland, while the yield of animal products such as wool, meat and/or milk are maximized. To achieve optimal rangeland management factors like stocking rate and management systems are important, but the most important factor is healthy, perennial grass plants with excellent root systems. For a farmer to achieve optimal rangeland management it is thus necessary to look after the root systems of the grass plants and this can be achieved through proper rest systems in the rangeland.