New Grazing Management Book Available

Herding cattle in Idaho

Steve Cote, NRCS district conservationist in Arco, Idaho, has authored Stockmanship-A Powerful Tool for Grazing Lands Management -- a new book that describes an uncommon way of handling livestock to improve rangeland and pastureland health. Stockmanship, published by NRCS and the Butte Soil and Water Conservation District, is based on Cote’s many years of experience studying low stress livestock handling. "I searched and searched for a book with comprehensive low stress livestock handling information and couldn't find one, so I decided to write my own. It’s a one-of-a-kind book" Cote says.
The book includes color photos, diagrams, and hands-on methods for how to
• get cattle to stay at a particular location for a day or more without fences;
• get stock to leave a location, water and return promptly;
• prevent over-grazing;
• handle large herds through difficult terrain;
• reduce handling stress and livestock sickness; and
• increase productivity.

Visit the NRCS Idaho website

"The results are impressive," says Jim Cornwell, NRCS State Range Management Specialist in Boise. "Ranchers using low stress livestock handling are seeing improved plant vigor and cover. Their range is in better condition and their cattle are healthier."

Stockmanship is available for $20. Call the Butte Soil and Water Conservation District at 208-527-8557 or frances.perkes@id.nacdnet.net for more information.
Your contact is Steve Cote at 208-527-8557, ext. 105 or steve.cote@id.usda.gov.