NEWS

People like consistency, and most of us don’t like surprises except for that rare check in the mail we weren’t expecting.

August is the time to start stockpiling forages for winter grazing, which can aid in reducing winter feed costs. For stockpiling, generally pasture acres are not grazed for the last 70 to 80 days of the grazing season, allowing forage to recover leaf foliage and yield.

The heat of summer is here, and dry conditions are still affecting forage production across much of the West. Many producers face making decisions that could influence long-term profitability. Drought strategies usually involve some combination of supplemental feeding and culling.

Drought and abnormally dry conditions have continued for the South-Central region. During these times, it is imperative to preserve cow body condition, forage resources and financial equity.

The drought that has plagued the Southern Plains and Southwest for most of this year is continuing to be a problem for producers, but plentiful rains in June are easing drought impacts in some areas, while those that continue to go without rain reach more extreme drought levels.