Hereford cattleAfter severe drought stressed much of the northern U.S. plains this summer, a recent bout of precipitation has left pastures a bit greener – a sight not seen by many in 2021. The new growth has producers wondering if grazing is advantageous, or if they should leave the renewed stems alone. The answer, according to a North Dakota State State Extension specialist, is variable. Producers will need to know their type of rangeland before making any late-season decisions. Kentucky bluegrass or brome grass should be fine to graze, as long as no overgrazing occurs. Meanwhile, native grass species might be better off left alone. Cool-season native grasses should not be grazed, to ensure the plant has time to establish tillers – the way the plant will initiate growth next spring. Experts note, as a general rule of thumb, that grasses should not be grazed below the second node (between the first and second leaf). Read more on types of grasses and their management recommendations here.