By Dr.Katie VanValin
Over the last 25 years, Kentucky has seen an increase in annual rainfall and at the same time an increase in prolonged dry periods or drought. While seemingly counterintuitive, an increase in rainfall intensity is to blame for an increase in precipitation and drought at the same time. The last three years have seen a drought set in during late summer and early fall. As of late August, a portion of 109 out of Kentucky’s 120 counties are at least “abnormally dry”, with 22 counties at least partially considered to be in a D1 Drought according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Meaning perhaps now more than ever, we should be thinking about ways to make our farms drought ready. Here are a few tips to consider when managing through a drought.
1) Inventory current pasture and stored forages: It’s important to know what resources are available before deciding how to add to them or utilize them. Assess current pasture conditions and estimate how much grass is available, keeping in mind that overgrazing drought stressed pastures can slow recovery once rain returns. Take stock of hay inventory, considering not just quantity but also quality. Knowing the nutrient content of hay or other stored forages will help match feed resources with the nutritional needs of cattle on your operation.
2) Stretch pastures strategically: One mistake that I think we often make during a drought is waiting too long to act- sometimes out of optimism, hoping the rain will come any day now or thinking conditions are not “bad enough” yet. If you have plenty of hay, consider feeding it in a dry-lot or strategically on pastures using a method like bale grazing. Remember, if given the choice, cattle will prefer grazing over poor-quality hay, which can lead to overgrazed pastures. In that case, it might be better to confine cattle or “shut the gate” and feed hay in a smaller area, giving the rest of the farm time to rest.
Source : osu.edu