The Art and Science of Grazing: How Grass Farmers Can Create Sustainable Systems for Healthy Animals and Farm Ecosystems

I love to read, and will state that at the outset. I moreover love to read about one of my undying passions, Sustainable Agriculture in general, and grazing in particular. Sarah Flack’s recently published book, “The Art and Science of Grazing” is an absolute “must read” for anyone interested in grazing and animal agriculture. This book is a comprehensive tome covering all facets of grazing and pasture management for farmers who have beef cattle, sheep, goats, and dairy cattle. It is published by Vermont’s Chelsea Green Publishing company which has a history of producing excellent quality books on a variety of sustainable topics.If anyone was in need of an excellent book to teach a course on grazing, then you need look no further than this book to instill new techniques and knowledge in your audiences. I heartily recommend this edition and rate it with five stars. Why do I rate it so high? Quite succinctly, Sarah Flack has provided a treasure trove of information and techniques based on sound ecological practices, which can support economically viable farming with animal agriculture.This is a four part book with fifteen chapters and several appendices. Part One “Laying the Groundwork” has two chapters; Benefits of Good Pasture Management, and Types of Grazing Systems. Part Two “Grazing from the Plant’s Perspective” has four chapters; Grazing Adapted Plants, Pasture Soil Health, Managing Pasture Plants, and Common Pasture Plants. Part Three “Grazing from the Animal’s Perspective” has six chapters; The Unique Digestive Ability of Ruminants, Ruminant Nutrition from Pasture, Meeting Livestock Nutritional Needs, Grazing Behavior, 100 Percent Grassfed, and Health Concerns. Part Four “Designing and Managing a Grazing System” has three chapters; Pasture Math, Calculating Acreage, Grazing System Design and Infrastructure, and the final chapter, Putting it All Together. These chapters are followed by several excellent appendices dealing with pasture problems, pasture planning worksheets, pasture monitoring, certification programs, and a list of resources.The book is printed on very high quality paper, and is loaded throughout with high quality color photos. Each chapter is filled with the latest knowledge available to support this wonderful and growing endeavor of grazing management. I also found it to be written with flawless grammar, spelling, and editing throughout which is always a pleasure to see.As our agricultural world slowly changes to include more humane livestock husbandry methods, and ecologically benign methods to support those concepts, this book provides knowledge and information for graziers to not only “talk the talk” but to” walk the walk”.In addition to my being an agricultural educator dealing with grazing management for a variety of clientele, I am an active farmer that grazes beef cattle, sheep, and a variety of pastured poultry. My knowledge base has increased a good bit on this topic since reading this book.

This book is well-written and easy to read. As an aspiring farmer (nearing retirement) it fleshed our the picture painted by other pasture experts. It is a good overview for a newbie like me, but I think it would also be helpful for an experienced farmer.... she describes in detail different plants and their uses as well as details of crop rotation.

Needed a book on the art of grazing and this book is great!

There is so much good information - technical information - it is sometimes overwhelming how much there is to know. I am gaining a better understanding of rotational grazing and all the grasses and it's exciting! Thank you!

Very technical. Not for a beginner

I very much enjoyed reading this book. I found it informative and loaded with lots of practical details.

The Art and Science of Grazing offers a very approachable how–to for ecological, intensively managed grazing practices for cold, humid climates. Based in decades of experience as a grazer and extension professional, this book is a great entry point for new grazers as well as offering much nuance for those who are more experienced.

I learned so many good details that many farmers never learn. This is a good source to up one's grazing skills.

useful book but lets itself down as it is american based which I hadn't realised until after I had bought it, but it does has the required information.

Good book, clearly written and full of information. An addition to any farm reference library.

Brilliant book, a deep understanding of grass and grazing. Highly recommend it to anyone who mob grazes / practices holistically managed grazing

At last, a practical how to and why guide as opposed to just singing the praises of grazing management

Acheté pour notre gendre qui a très apprécié !