Cattle feeding and resting patterns in a foothills riparian zone

Cattle prefer to use upland areas to feed and rest in June and July, and then to spend more time in riparian areas in August and September. In dryer years they spend more time in the riparian zone, spending nights in upland areas only if insects are a problem. Stocking rate adjustments should be made based upon moisture patterns and climactic changes as well as forage quality.