Winter precipitation has helped improve drought conditions in many areas. It’s important to think through long-term recovery plans before turning cattle out this spring.
Winter precipitation has helped improve drought conditions in many areas. Although temptations will be high to save on hay-feeding costs and get cows back doing what they do best, allowing cattle to graze too soon this spring likely will do more harm than good.
“Producers who receive moisture after drought will want to think through long-term recovery plans before turning cattle out,” says Will Hatler, field scientist, Corteva Agriscience. “It’s important to consider practices that will boost forage growth and maximize available moisture and soil nutrients.”
Hatler shares three tips to make the most of moisture this spring.
“I always encourage producers to get out into their pastures,” Hatler says. “Sometimes if we just drive past a weed and don’t stop to examine it, we might misidentify it. This is especially true with invasive species that have found their way into new territories.”
No matter the amount of moisture your operation has (or has not) received, Hatler’s best piece of advice is to think long term and protect root reserves at all costs.
“The drought has forced many producers to make extremely difficult decisions, but we must have grass to have a sustainable beef operation. Those difficult decisions today will pay off when moisture returns.”
