Drought Management in Livestock Operations

Apr 29, 2026

By Skyler Murray

Drought conditions can develop quickly across Western North Carolina, and when they do, they place significant pressure on both forage systems and livestock operations. While we cannot control the weather, we can control how we respond to it. The decisions made early in a drought can make the difference between temporary setbacks and long-term damage to your pasture and operation.

From an Extension standpoint, the key to drought management is protecting your forage base first. Your grass is your most valuable and least replaceable asset. Cattle can be bought and sold, but rebuilding pastures takes time, money, and favorable conditions.

Recognizing Drought Stress Early

Early signs of drought stress include:

Slowed or stalled pasture growth
Discoloration or browning of forage
Increased grazing pressure on already short grass
Bare ground becoming more visible

When you begin to see these signs, it is time to start making management adjustments.

Source : ncsu.edu

Video: Five Confirmed New World Screwworm Cases Raise Alarm for Livestock and Pet Owners

Pat Hoffmann, Swine Technical Consultant at Elanco Animal Health tells us about the impact of New World Screwworm. The emergence of New World screwworm in the U.S. creates a threat for veterinarians, livestock producers and pet owners that has not been seen north of the Florida Keys since the fly was eradicated from the United States more than 50 years ago. New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) larvae feed on living tissue and can affect a wide range of warm-blooded animals, including livestock, companion animals, wildlife, and even humans.
“New World screwworm could have a devastating impact on animal health, welfare, and producer livelihoods,” said Jeff Simmons, President and CEO, Elanco Animal Health. “We want to thank the FDA, EPA and USDA, for all their work to prepare for this threat. We’re committed to supporting our customers during this challenging time by delivering innovation, scientific expertise, and available resources to help treat New World screwworm and support the health and well-being of animals.”
Elanco is working alongside the U.S. animal health industry to help them fight against this parasite, offering a portfolio of options for pets and livestock that can help treat New World screwworm larvae infestations.