More options provide greater flexibility to survive. While there are no “best” practices, great managers recognize potential drought signs and take action early. Since sound decisions during dry times are critical to our bottom line, here are a couple of considerations to help set us up for success.
1. Consider enhancing range management efforts: Forage production can decrease dramatically, so carefully monitor utilization of preferred plants. Excessive grazing (greater than 60 percent of current year’s growth) decreases some plants’ ability to recover.
Moderate utilization (25 to 55 percent) has limited effect on recovery rate. Rotational grazing is recommended over continuous grazing as periodic rest helps plants maintain vigor and regrow. Concentrating cows into a single herd allows pastures to be more evenly grazed.
2. Consider ways to meet cow requirements: Matching forage resources with cow nutrient requirements is a perpetual challenge. Failure to meet cow requirements can have long-term consequences (cow herd productivity). There are two fundamental ways to ensure adequate nutrition: 1) reduce cow nutrient requirements or 2) provide supplemental feed.
Early weaning (120-plus days of age) is one of the simplest ways to reduce cow nutrient demand. Dry cows consume 30 percent less forage and require 50 to 60 percent of the energy and protein of lactating cows. Dormant pastures due to dry conditions may be low in protein.
If forage is adequate, supplement protein as infrequently as once a week. If forage is limited, supplement protein/energy or energy daily. Analysis of forage or fecal samples for total digestible nutrients (TDN) and crude protein (CP) can be a cost-effective way to identify a supplementation approach.
3. Consider potential financial implications: Accurate financial records are key to making management decisions easier. Determine if it is economical to provide supplemental feed. It is usually cheaper to maintain cow body condition during the summer.
If culling is the best option, sell cattle (weaned calves, inferior cows, etc.) before excessive weight is lost and market prices decline. Advanced planning to avoid a bigger crisis is the common link among each consideration. Survival often requires quick and early decisionmaking. However, the use of sound management practices during dry times can increase flexibility and protect the core business. 
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Ryan D. Rhoades
- Assistant Professor
- Beef Extension Specialist - Colorado State University
- Email Ryan D. Rhoades
