Simple pasture and hay management practices can help farms recover from dry conditions
According to the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, adopting best management practices can help livestock operations better withstand drought conditions. Expert recommendations were provided by Kenny Simon, Extension Forages Instructor, with the university's Division of Agriculture.
Drought conditions can create major challenges for livestock producers, reducing pasture growth, limiting forage supplies, and increasing feed costs. Agricultural experts say that using sound management practices is one of the best ways to help farms withstand dry weather and recover more quickly when conditions improve.
According to forage specialists, best management practices have become even more important during periods of drought. While abundant rainfall can help pastures recover from mistakes, dry conditions leave little room for error. Farmers who carefully manage grazing and forage resources can protect both livestock and pasture health.
One of the most important steps during a drought is allowing forage plants to rest and recover. Continuous grazing can place extra stress on already weakened plants, slowing regrowth, and reducing future forage production. Rotational grazing can help reduce this pressure by limiting livestock access to one area at a time while allowing other sections of the pasture to rest.
When forage supplies become limited, producers may need to move livestock into a designated field or sacrifice area and provide supplemental hay. Feeding hay helps maintain animal nutrition while reducing grazing pressure on stressed pastures.
Hay feeding can also offer benefits beyond animal nutrition. As hay is consumed, nutrients are returned to the soil through manure and leftover plant material. These nutrients can help improve soil fertility and support future pasture growth.
Experts recommend moving hay feeding locations regularly instead of feeding in the same spot each time. Rotating feeding areas can distribute nutrients more evenly across the field and prevent excessive soil wear. Producers may consider starting hay feeding in lower sections of the farm during dry periods and gradually moving to higher ground as conditions change.
Planning for future forage supplies is another key to drought management strategy. Producers who establish winter annual forage crops can create additional grazing opportunities and reduce pressure on permanent pastures.
Several forage options can provide valuable feed during late winter and early spring. Popular choices include ryegrass, wheat, cereal rye, oats, and triticale. These crops can extend the grazing season and help fill forage gaps that often occur following drought conditions.
Planting dates plays an important role in forage success. Earlier planting generally provides better opportunities for winter growth and spring grazing. However, even later plantings may still contribute useful forage when environmental conditions are favorable.
Some producers may also use winter annual forages as a source of hay production. Crops such as ryegrass and oats can provide an additional hay harvest when managed properly. This extra forage can help strengthen feed reserves and prepare farms for future weather-related challenges.
“Move the hay feeding spot each time you put out a new bale,” said Simon. “Then once you’ve fed hay across the field move to the next field. Start in the lower parts of your farm now while it’s dry then work you’ve way to higher ground.”
Maintaining healthy pastures during drought requires a combination of careful grazing management, strategic feeding practices, and long-term forage planning. Every farm has different conditions, but protecting forage resources should remain a priority throughout dry periods.
Agricultural specialists encourage producers to regularly evaluate pasture conditions, adjust grazing plans when necessary, and consider supplemental forage options before shortages become severe. Early management decisions can make a significant difference in forage recovery and livestock performance.
While drought presents many challenges, farms that focus on pasture recovery, nutrient management, and forage establishment are often better positioned to maintain productivity and resilience. By adopting proven best management practices, livestock producers can strengthen their operations against current and future periods of dry weather.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zhuda