Farms.com Home   News

Feeding Livestock in Drought Years

Drought conditions are a major concern for livestock producers because it impacts forage growth for feed for livestock. Producers may turn to grain for feed for their livestock which may impact the amount that producers pay for feed.

According to an article written by Gould and Cassida (2021), Forage alternatives for livestock in drought years - Forages (msu.edu), managing forage can impact livestock nutritional requirements from grazing especially in drought years. It is important in all climates that producers manage their forage efficiently to give plants a break from livestock to regrow.

Gould and Cassida (2021) also suggest that annual forages are a good alternative to perennial forages because they can withstand growing within eight weeks from planting in a minimal amount of water.

Click here to see more...

Trending Video

Building Better Barns: Innovations in Hog Facility Design with PSI’s Tim Messinger

Video: Building Better Barns: Innovations in Hog Facility Design with PSI’s Tim Messinger

In this exclusive interview from the 2025 Iowa Pork Congress Rachel Fishback and Swineweb sit down with Tim Messinger, a seasoned expert from Precision Structures Inc. (PSI) of Wellman, Iowa, to delve into the latest trends and innovations in hog barn construction and remodeling.

With nearly two decades at PSI, Tim shares his journey from draftsman to sales, highlighting the company’s comprehensive services in building farrow-to-wean complexes, finishers, and nurseries. He emphasizes the critical role of proper site layout and grading in barn construction, ensuring long-term efficiency and scalability for pork producers.

Tim also discusses the increasing importance of advanced ventilation systems and smart controllers like Maximus and AP Edge, which offer producers enhanced monitoring and control over barn environments. As construction costs have risen, PSI has seen an uptick in remodeling projects, particularly in slat replacements, roof refurbishments and barn gating remodels to extend the lifespan of existing facilities.

A key takeaway from Tim is the value of partnering with reputable builders who offer robust post-sale support. PSI’s dedicated service team stands ready to assist clients 24/7, addressing emergencies and ensuring optimal barn performance.

For pork producers looking to build or upgrade their facilities, this conversation offers valuable insights into best practices and the latest industry developments.