Based on a six-year study, stocking at 2.5x and 3.0x normal season-long rates
for the first half of the growing season with no grazing during the latter half results
in individual steer gains that are equal to those under the 2.0x rate. The gain per
acre was greatly increased at the higher stocking rates. Grass remaining in early
October was 20 percent lower on pastures stocked at the 2.5x and 3.0x rates than at
the 2.0x rate. However, there was no trend toward further reductions over the study
period. Botanical composition did not change greatly as a result of the different
stocking rates. Apparently, Flint Hills bluestem range can be intensive-early stocked
at rates higher than the traditional 2.0x rate.
