By Aaron Berger
Nebraska Extension Livestock Systems Educator
Dry conditions have persisted across much of Nebraska throughout the winter. While there is still time to get significant precipitation this spring, many locations will need above-average moisture between now and grass turnout to return to a long-term average. Even with good spring moisture, ranges and pastures would benefit from delayed turnout to allow stressed grasses to grow and develop root reserves before grazing.
Currently, hay, distillers grains, and corn are readily available across much of Nebraska at prices that are below the average of what they have been for the last three to four years. With cattle prices being strong, there is a desire by many cow-calf producers to hold on to the cowherd to capitalize on the predicted strong calf and feeder cattle prices that are expected to occur over the next few years.
It is important for those who desire to retain the cowherd to review or develop a drought plan for the upcoming growing season.
Key things to consider:
Inventory feed amounts and quality on hand. Identify what will be needed for feed to delay grass turnout or to dry lot cows into the summer if adequate precipitation doesn’t occur.
Review options for an extended period of feeding the cowherd and the logistics and costs of doing that.
Choose a sacrifice area to feed cows/pairs on later in the spring and into the summer to keep cows off drought-stressed pastures.
Consider purchasing or securing a portion of needed feed supplies now, when these feeds are readily available.
Evaluate the options of planting annual forages this spring on dryland or irrigated acres as a source of grazing or harvested feed.
Identify cows that should be the first to leave if feed is short, to reduce feed needs.
Plan for early weaning (and the feeding of calves off the ranch) to reduce forage demands on pastures.
Should drought conditions persist, those who consider options early and are prepared to act will be in the best position to utilize the opportunities available. Nebraska Extension has specialists and educators who can help evaluate options and develop rations utilizing available feed resources. Planning and acting now will provide the best chance to make the most of a difficult situation.