Managing Through the Drought

Aug 23, 2017

As drought conditions continue to expand and worsen through the Dakotas and Montana, ranchers are faced with the stress and challenges of making the best decisions for their operations.

There are multiple factors that play into the decision-making process, with some being more challenging than others.

One of the factors that makes this process more difficult at times, is being able to separate the emotion from the business.

Oftentimes we see the ranch as more than a business but focusing on the basics of making decisions on what is best for the business will help persevere through tough times.

Tools & Resources

To make the best management decisions, it is important to utilize your resources and contacts to gather information and make the most informed decisions.

There are multiple people who can help provide information, including fellow ranchers, ag lenders, veterinarians, and extension professionals, to name and few.

SDSU Extension offers multiple tools and resources to provide information. Below is a listing of just a few that can be used in making the best drought management decisions for your operation.

Drought Management Publication

Drought Management Tips for Ranchers is an SDSU Extension publication that compiles multiple resources on management decisions focusing on supply management, including: feed resources, rotational grazing, water quantity and quality.

This publication also addresses demand management and decisions that can affect or decrease the demand for feed resources, such as early weaning, shortening the breeding season to only keep the most fertile females, and culling practices.

Be willing to think outside the box to determine what will work best for your ranch and have a plan in place before drought happens again, so that you are ready and prepared to make those hard decisions.

Source: Igrow

Video: Time To Build An Ark: Sheltering Our Flock From Adverse Weather Conditions!

Relentless spring rains are drenching our sheep farm! Despite the downpour, our sheep are fortunate to have a cozy and dry shelter in our barns. Our barns are equipped with curtains on all sides, allowing us to adjust the amount of natural light and fresh air that enters. Whether it's opening them wide to create an outdoor-like environment or shutting them tight to keep the sheep snug and content, our barns provide the perfect refuge from the harsh weather conditions outside.

While we appreciate the nourishing rain that will eventually result in lush pastures and abundant hay during the summer, we are grateful that our sheep are not exposed to the elements and remain healthy. Join us as we lay fresh bedding in every barn, ensuring our sheep's comfort and well-being. Witness the joy of our lambs frolicking in the straw, a true testament to their happiness.

Despite our usual practice of avoiding shipping sheep during adverse weather, today we had to transport a few breeding ewes and a ram to a customer with an inflexible schedule. Discover the breeding stock chosen by the customer and witness how we carefully load them for transport.

Rain or shine, the work on a sheep farm never stops. However, having a sheltered space makes these challenging days a little more bearable. Join us on our vlog as we navigate through the rainy season, providing the best care for our flock. Welcome to Ewetopia Farms, where we document our daily sheep farming activities on our vlog. Subscribe now to stay updated on our sheep farming journey!