Clipping Height Guide
A guide to choosing clipping height in pastures, explaining how cutting height affects regrowth, for graziers using the mower. Work through the steps in order, and keep notes on what you decide for future reference.
Download free PDF1 page, US Letter, prints clean in black and white
GuideForages, Pasture & GrazingFree PDF
The steps on this page
- State the purpose of clipping
- Identify the forage species
- Check growth stage
- Set the mower height per species guidance
- Measure stubble after clipping
- Watch weather before cutting
- Note regrowth speed
- Adjust heights next time
How to use this guide
Follow the steps in order and write down any changes you make. Where your equipment or product has instructions, those come first.
Where to check the details
This sheet is a general template, so confirm specifics with your own manuals, labels and local rules. For current official guidance, start with eXtension and USDA NRCS.
For more in this area, see the Ranch Beef Cattle. Between chores, farm.FM has farm humor, including Fertilizer Now Costs More Than the Land, and farming farm stories.