Drought Management Tools for Beef Cattle Producers

Sep 07, 2026

By John Jaeger

As drought persists, beef cattle producers face a series of difficult management decisions. While these decisions are influenced by many factors, emotions can often be among the most challenging to navigate. For many ranching families, the operation is more than a business—it is a way of life and often represents generations of hard work and tradition. As a result, separating emotion from business decisions can be difficult. However, making timely, objective decisions based on the long-term sustainability of the operation is essential for successfully managing through drought and positioning the ranch for recovery.

When facing difficult drought-management decisions, rely on trusted resources to help ensure those decisions are informed and well-supported. A variety of professionals can provide valuable guidance, including fellow producers, agricultural lenders, veterinarians, nutritionists, and Extension specialists. SDSU Extension offers numerous decision-making tools and educational resources designed to help beef cattle producers evaluate their options and develop management strategies. The resources highlighted below are just a few of the tools available to support sound drought-management decisions for your operation.

Available Resources

Drought Management Tips for Beef Cattle Producers

Managing Beef Cattle During Drought: Tips for Producers is a comprehensive publication that brings together practical management strategies into four key areas: The Big Picture, Supply Management, Demand Management, and Marketing and Finances. The Supply Management section covers topics such as alternative feed resources, grazing management, and water quantity and quality. The Demand Management section focuses on strategies to reduce forage demand, including early weaning, shortening the breeding season to retain only the most fertile females, strategic culling and other herd management practices. While every operation is different, producers should be willing to evaluate all available options and think creatively about what best fits their operation. Developing a drought management plan before the next drought occurs will make it easier to implement timely, objective decisions when conditions become challenging.

Source : sdstate.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.