Cattle Ranching in the “Wild Horse Desert” – Stocking Rate, Rainfall, and Forage Responses

Abstract

On The Ground • No research involving the comparative evaluation of grazing methods has been performed in South Texas at an operational scale. • We report initial findings from a large-scale demonstration project involving two cattle stocking rates and two grazing methods; our focus was on forage standing crop and forage utilization responses. • Erratic, but typical, rainfall patterns and resulting forage production proved our stocking rates (though realistic for this region) to be unsustainable over the long term, regardless of grazing method. • The “Wild Horse Desert” is a harsh but resilient environment following periods of above average rainfall.