5-Acre Pasture Reclamation in Louisa County

A Louisa County rancher had 5 acres of former pasture that had been taken over by cedars, briars, and scrub over 15 years of neglect. The goal was to reclaim it for cattle grazing. We used the disc mulcher to knock down and process all the woody growth, then followed up with rough grading to level out the worst of the terrain.

The Challenge

The field had eastern red cedars up to 8 inches in diameter scattered throughout, along with dense briars and multiflora rose. The ground was uneven from years of erosion and animal traffic. The rancher needed the land back in production without a major earthmoving budget.

Our Approach

We started with the Case TV450B and disc mulcher, working in systematic passes across the field to knock down and process all the cedars and brush. The mulcher handles material up to 8 inches in diameter cleanly. After the mulching was complete, we used the skid steer bucket to rough-grade the worst low spots and push material into eroded channels.

The Result

Five acres of scrub reclaimed in three days. The mulch layer from the processed cedars and brush will break down over the season and add organic matter back to the soil. The rancher had cattle back on the field within two weeks after the ground settled. No burning, no hauling, no permit headaches.

Project Highlights

• 5 acres of overgrown pasture reclaimed for cattle grazing
• Eastern red cedars up to 8 inches processed in place
• Rough grading included to level eroded terrain
• No burning, no hauling — all material mulched in place
• Cattle back on the field within two weeks

Equipment Used

• Case TV450B tracked skid steer with disc mulcher
• Skid steer bucket (rough grading)
• Dump truck (site access)

Frequently Asked Questions