Veld Management Guidelines

Veld is a word used in South Africa for natural vegetation that animals graze for food. The grass, bushes, and trees in the veld provide valuable food for cattle, sheep, goats, and wild animals.

The following guidelines will contribute to a successful veld management program:

1.  Know the various grass species and their grazing/nutritional value.

2. Accept that all grasses are not suitable for grazing. Palatable perennial grasses should be utilized as the main source of feeding.

3.  Accept that good animal production can only be obtained, when animals have access to sufficient good palatable (tasty) grass.

4.    Plan the farm and make camps according to differences in veld types and animal preferences.

5.    Apply the correct stocking rate by adapting animal numbers to the current veld and climate conditions.

6.   It is essential for veld to be rested during the growing season to build up reserves and for seed production and the establishment of seedlings. Remember, rotational grazing does not imply necessarily the resting of veld and for #sweetveld a full growing season resting period is recommended.

7.      Keep record of the number of animals and the number of days a camp is grazed. 

Important:

1)         Veld must periodically rest for full growing season.

2)         Short, protein rich grass for increased sheep performance.

3)         Combine 1 & 2 in a veld management system to:

*          Maintain veld vigour and carrying capacity.

*          Increase animal performance.

Ensure sufficient roughage in a cost effective veld-based feed flow program.