Planning for Pasture Rotation, Soil Improvement, and Weed Control

You’ve bought your ranch—now it’s time to make it yours. Whether you’re planning to run cattle yourself or lease the pasture to someone else, having a plan in place for pasture rotation, soil improvement, and weed control will help protect your investment and improve the land over time.

If you plan to lease the property, it’s important to discuss these land management topics with your tenant during lease negotiations. Setting realistic expectations upfront—about grazing schedules, the number of animal units allowed, and weed control—can prevent misunderstandings later. It’s much easier to work through the details before the relationship starts than to fix problems after the fact.

Pasture Rotation Options

Rotating pastures gives grass time to rest and recover, improves grazing efficiency, and reduces the risk of overgrazing. There’s no one-size-fits-all model—what works for a 3000-acre ranch might look different on 100 acres—but here are three common strategies that work well in North Texas:

Two-Pasture Rotation

Divide your land into two grazing areas. Graze one pasture for a few months while the other rests, then switch. It’s simple, easy to manage, and gives the grass a chance to bounce back during the off period.

Three-Pasture Rotation

With three separate areas, you can rotate livestock more frequently and allow for longer rest periods. This system is ideal if you want to keep a consistent grazing pattern throughout the year.

High-Intensity, Low-Frequency (HILF) Grazing

This is a more intensive system where you graze more cattle in smaller areas for short periods, followed by long rest periods. It can improve soil fertility and forage quality but requires more fencing and planning.

For more information about livestock management in the North Texas area, visit the Texas Parks & Wildlife website for the region - Post Oak Savanah & Blackland Prairie management

You can also use drones to monitor pasture health before, during, and after each rotation. Drones give you a bird’s-eye view of plant vigor and grazing patterns, which can help you fine-tune your approach and catch issues early—without setting foot in every corner of the pasture. Drones can be combined with software to help you understand which parts of your pasture are doing well, and which areas need attention.

Soil Improvement Strategies

Healthy soil means healthier grass, better forage, and fewer weeds. Here are some practical ways to improve soil quality on your ranch:

Plant Winter Grazers or Cover Crops

Planting winter forages like rye, oats, or wheat provides extra feed during cooler months and helps protect the soil from erosion. Legume cover crops like clover or vetch can fix nitrogen in the soil, reduce compaction, and add organic matter—all without the cost of chemical fertilizers.

Soil Testing Options

While farmers and ranchers have been stewarding land for thousands of years without testing their soil, testing your soil can help you make better decisions. Texas A&M Agrilife Extension offerings soil testing services that will help you better understand your land and how to improve it.

Baseline: Use a basic soil test to measure pH and major nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Mid-Range: Work with your county extension office for slightly more in-depth testing and recommendations.
Advanced: Hire an agronomist or soil consultant to map out nutrient levels across your entire ranch and create a field-by-field improvement plan.

Whether you’re just getting started or planning long-term improvements, having a soil plan will save time and money down the line.

Weed Control on Working Ranches

Weeds are part of ranch life. In North Texas, common culprits include thistles, ragweed, and invasive grasses. Managing them is all about balancing effort with effectiveness.

What Most Ranch Owners Do

Trail Mowing: Most of our clients mow their trails or roads on a semi-regular basis to keep things accessible and under control.
Annual Pasture Mow: A full mowing of the entire property is rare, usually once a year at most. It helps knock down large weeds and encourages new grass growth but isn’t always necessary if grazing is well managed. Properties that are managed for wildlife will typically see this mow performed right after deer season and completed by the beginning of March. This allows the new growth to receive the sunshine it needs to grow, and returns the nutrients from last year’s growth back to the soil.

Targeted Weed Control

When mowing isn’t enough, selective herbicide applications can be effective—especially for trouble spots. Products like 2,4-D are commonly used in our area to target weeds while leaving grass intact. Be sure to follow label instructions and consider timing your application when weeds are actively growing for best results.

If you’re leasing out the ranch, it’s wise to clarify in the lease who’s responsible for mowing and weed control. Even if the lease is informal, clear expectations around basic land management will keep everyone on the same page.

Owning a ranch is exciting, but the work begins once the deal is closed. Whether you’re running cattle yourself or leasing the land to a tenant, implementing a plan for pasture rotation, soil health, and weed control is a smart way to build long-term value. Talk to your tenant early if you’re leasing the land—clear communication can save you a lot of frustration down the road.

Not sure where to start? We’ve worked with buyers across North Texas to help them not just purchase land—but manage it well. We’d be happy to help you do the same.