DROUGHT M A N AG E M E N T Making it Through the Winter Without Destroying Future Grazing Resources
U.S. Drought Monitor
By Hugh Aljoe, Noble Research Institute Director of Producer Relations Looking at the Drought Monitor dated Sept. 9, 2021, we see over 55 percent of the U.S. is currently experiencing abnormally dry to exceptional drought conditions (see adjacent graphic). Most of the drought conditions are in the West and Northwest. While the weather drives one part of the story, management decisions drive the other. In drought situations it is not just about the next significant rainfall event, it is also about managing through the next two or more growing seasons. Many cattlemen and other agricultural producers in the Western and Northwestern U.S. have faced drought conditions for most of this year. In fact, most of these producers have experienced at least two dry growing seasons. Drought affects the land, the grasses and grass productivity, which impact livestock production and a rancher’s bottom line. Contingency plans for drought should be a part of a ranch’s overall operational management plan, so when drought conditions occur, one has a protocol of decisions to be assessed and decided upon. This approach minimizes the adverse impacts and stress associated with the decisions to be made. Hopefully, the cattlemen affected this year had a good drought contingency plan and have made good use of it. B:7.6325" Regardless, there needs to be a plan in place to get through the winter T:7.6325" and into spring. In this article, we will focus on pasture management during drought conditions for the winter and early spring. S:7.6325"
(Released Thurs. Sept 9, 2021) Valid 8 a.m.
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Drought Impact Types:
Intensity:
Delineates dominant impacts S = Short-Term, typically less than 6 months (e.g. agriculture, grasslands) S
L = Long-Term, typically greater than 6 months (e.g. hydrology, ecology)
None D0 Abnormally Dry D1 Moderate Drought D2 Severe Drought D3 Extreme Drought D4 Exceptional Drought
Authors United States and Puerto Rico Author(s): David Simeral, Western Regional Climate Center
“If we’re being truthful, we’re grass farmers. We manage the land so cattle can harvest it.” KEVIN YON YON FAMILY FARMS, SOUTH CAROLINA
NATIONAL CATTLEMEN
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DIRECTIONS 2021
