By Kim Ricardo
Drought remains one of the most persistent and difficult challenges facing cattle producers. Managing a cow herd under drought conditions requires balancing short-term survival with long-term productivity. This means honestly evaluating available resources, making timely decisions, adjusting nutrition programs, and protecting both pasture health and core herd genetics. Delayed action often increases feed costs, reduces pasture recovery, and limits marketing flexibility.
Start With an Honest Assessment
Effective drought management begins with a clear understanding of available forage and water resources. Grazing capacity often declines more quickly than expected under dry conditions, making early inventory critical. Producers should evaluate hay supplies, estimate remaining pasture production, and assess water availability. The Forage Inventory and Demand Calculator can be used to help determine available forage, how long forage supply will last, and what supplementation might be necessary.
Water quality can become a significant concern during drought, especially in ponds and dugouts where mineral concentrations increase as water levels decline. Testing questionable water sources can help prevent performance or health issues later in the season.
Once resources are accurately assessed, producers can determine whether current stocking rates are sustainable. In most cases, reducing stocking pressure early helps prevent more severe challenges later. For more information on making stocking rate adjustments see, Setting Stocking Rates with Flexibility in Mind.
Make Culling Decisions Early
Strategic culling is one of the most effective tools for managing drought. With cattle prices historically strong, early culling can reduce forage demand while allowing producers to market cattle before widespread drought liquidation weakens prices.
Source : sdstate.edu