Residual Forage Measurement Guide
A guide to measuring residual forage after grazing so producers can judge whether a paddock was grazed too hard or left enough leaf for regrowth.
Download free PDF1 page, US Letter, prints clean in black and white
GuideForages, Pasture & GrazingFree PDF
The steps on this page
- Choose representative spots in the paddock
- Mark the sample sites
- Pick a method like stick, plate or clipping
- Take readings after animals leave
- Average the readings
- Compare against the target residual
- Record the result with the date
- Adjust the next grazing plan
How to use this guide
Walk a new hand through the steps once, then let them use the page on their own. Add your own notes as you learn what works.
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 reference. Between chores, farm.FM has farm humor, including Dairy One Forage Lab Rates Hay “Adequate”; Farmer Rates Its Price “Catastrophic”, and farming farm stories.