Flags

Dandelions serve as yellow warning flags in the spring pasture.  Where they are especially plentiful and thick the sward has been recently abused.  Dandelions are opportunists, shedding many seeds and colonizing every bare spot.  These may be around watering places where animals spend enough time to wear the sod thin or out.  But if they are spread somewhat across a paddock overgrazing is indicated.  This can happen when animals are left too long before being moved, thus constantly grazing too short, or it can be, as is nearly always the case with me, that I have come back too soon.  Adequate rest is a most important principle and often the cause of a poor stand.  Tilling and reseeding will not help.  The only cure is the changing of the farmer's mind, leading to more careful following of a grazing plan.