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