Mob grazing is meant to replicate the traditional grazing herds such as bison, with animals grazing a percentage of forage and treading in a percentage to provide organic matter for the soil. The rotational grazing system typically has high stocking densities (the number of animals in a 'paddock' for a specific period of time) but low stocking rates (the number of animals grazing on the forage area for the entire season). Its principle aim is to reduce costs by maximising utilisation of grazed forage and minimising housing periods.

Mob grazing works effectively for both small and large-scale herds or flocks although grazing paddock sizes have to be adjusted appropriately. It's suited to blocks of ground where livestock can be moved from one paddock to the next without the need for haulage by road.

Due to the nature of the system, mob grazing suits organic systems although it works equally as well in conventional ones. It can be suited to large areas of less productive land, such as wild flower meadows within environmental schemes, which typically have lower grass growth rates and restrictions on timing of grazing and nitrogen application. Mob grazing can also be used successfully on arable ground in short-term herbal/grass leys, where improvements in soil organic matter and fertility are looking to be made.

Further information

Contact Savills Rural Services

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