With prime pasture ground in big demand and higher prices for cattle prompting producers to consider expanding their herds, farmers should keep in mind a few helpful tips to preserve the productivity of their forage acres.

Erika Lundy, Iowa State University Extension beef program specialist with the Iowa Beef Center, said farmers are struggling to find good ground that hasn’t been converted to row crops for their cow herds.

"The key is to match cow-calf pairs and increase forage production," Lundy said. "Be sure to give that grass an opportunity to recover. If we keep that grass consistently grazed and short, the shorter the plants, the shorter the roots and then you’ll...