One-half to three-quarters of forage growth on pasture occurs by the beginning of July. This results in excess pasture being available for cattle during spring. In spring cattle should be allowed onto pasture when forage height is at 6-8 inches. If the pasture contains a higher amount of legume cattle should be moved to pasture at a higher forage height (8-12 inches). Grazing cattle too early on pasture will lead to poorer pasture conditions later on in the grazing season. It is estimated that grazing cattle one week too early on pasture in the spring will sacrifice 3 weeks of grazing in the fall.