Abstract
Livestock operations have many challenges. In addition to animal health and genetics, producers must also manage healthy environments for raising their animals. Forage-based systems allow producers to use solar energy as one input for their overall production through the photosynthetic potential of the forage species. Intensive grazing can allow producers opportunities for more efficiency of forages over space and time when managed properly. Producers must consider the needs of the livestock, the seasonal aspects of forage production, and environmental resources available. Rotating animals from paddock to paddock requires the producer to make decisions daily. Best management practices used in livestock production systems aid in environmental quality improvement, soil health, and practical forage systems. Several methods are employed at the Southeast Missouri State University Agriculture Research Center, Gordonville, Missouri, United States of America. Some of these best management practices in place at the Center include the following: smaller paddocks with rotational grazing schedules, animal access to water with protected streambanks, movable shade areas, cool-season and warm-season species, specific areas for winter feeding, and more. Providing producers with knowledge and examples allows for informed decisions and management of forage system goals based on science, environment, and economics.