Records of Veld Management Systems

Keeping good records of veld management systems will ensure the success of a farm enterprise

Veld Management Records (Including Grazing and Resting Records)

These records include records of rotational grazing and rotational rest which can be shown diagrammatically for every group of camps used in different systems.

Keeping a record of when certain camps should be rested and grazed during rotational grazing systems is important. For the long-term sustainability of the veld, it is crucial to keep track of during which season camps have been grazed to facilitate rest during different seasons for each of the camps. Certain camps may also be able to sustain the livestock for a longer period due to the type of vegetation present. Therefore, the following are important:

1. Having a detailed record of each camp.
2. How long each camp can sustain the herd of livestock.
3. When last each camp has been grazed.

This will lead to more informed decision-making when deciding where next to move the herd or help during critical times when additional grazing is required.

Example record of grazing and resting periods for different camps on a farm which includes the size of the camp as well as the estimated grazing capacity. This is just an example; in an accurate record, the length of the grazing period will depend on the size of each camp.

Individual camps can, for instance, be shown in vertical columns in which their numbers are given. It is also important that the size as well as the estimated grazing capacity of each camp is indicated. In the horizontal columns the subdivision of the grazing year on a weekly or monthly basis can be given, for example, from the beginning of August to the end of September, or whatever it may be for that particular area. The subdivision may be even smaller if it is demanded by a particular system. Even multi-camp and other flexible systems can be included. Further provision must be made for indicating the different types of livestock, classes and ages of the animals that are being kept on a camp for every grazing period. It is also important to record further information on such aspects as lambing and calving percentages, dosing and inoculation, supplementary or additional feeding, body mass, and so forth, which could be taken into consideration when the veld management system is evaluated.

The records in respect of the different veld management systems must thus provide full information on the treatment received by the veld in respect of resting and grazing; and the management and reaction of the livestock under particular management systems.