In this episode of The Stockman Grassfarmer Podcast, Brandon Mitchell of Waynesboro, Tennessee, unpacks one of the most overlooked issues in pasture management: nutrient relocation. Unlike hay fields where nutrients are physically removed, pastures often face an internal imbalance—nutrients shift to the edges while the middle is left depleted.
Brandon explains how practices like set stocking (continuous grazing) cause cattle to graze the whole field but deposit most of their manure and urine near shade, water, or fencelines. The result? Strong growth around the edges and declining fertility in the center.
Through vivid examples and practical insights, Brandon introduces graziers to the “80/20 rule” of pasture fertility and shares strategies to rebalance nutrient distribution across the landscape.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
The Hidden Cost of Set Stocking – How nutrient relocation undermines pasture productivity.
The 80/20 Rule in Action – Why 80% of your field may be losing fertility while only 20% gains.
Smart Tools for Change – Using portable electric fencing, strategic hay and mineral placement, and even shade management to influence nutrient flow.
Practical Fixes – Why simple adjustments like bale placement or moving minerals can transform soil health.
Management Matters – How thoughtful decisions prevent compaction, runoff, and wasted fertility.
🌱 Actionable Strategies:
Use portable electric fencing to spread livestock impact and encourage more even nutrient return.
Rotate the location of hay, water, and mineral supplements to draw livestock into underutilized areas.
Consider silvopasture or portable shade to reduce nutrient concentration near barns.
Place hay on higher ground or nutrient-poor spots to recycle fertility where it’s needed most.
Adjust fertilizer or compost applications to match soil needs rather than treating the field uniformly.
Brandon’s clear message: nutrients don’t just disappear—they move. With intentional management, graziers can put them back where they belong, ensuring healthier soils, stronger pastures, and more sustainable farms.
