News Release
August 1, 2007

Bulletin explains predicting forage shortage, responses to drought

Spring moisture amounts can alert producers to possible forage shortages during the summer enabling them to put management practices into effect and minimalize drought impacts, said a range management specialist with the University of Wyoming Cooperative Extension Service.

Spring precipitation has the greatest affect on rangeland forage, said Mike Smith, a professor in the Department of Renewable Resources in the College of Agriculture. The forage prediction window opens mid- to late-April for high elevation plains and foothills and early to mid-March for lower elevations and extends to late May to early June, he writes in the new UW CES publication Recognizing and Responding to Drought on Rangelands, MP-111.09. The bulletin is available online at http://ces.uwyo.edu/rangemgt.htm. Hard copies can be ordered for $3 each by calling (307) 766-2115.

“The probability of receiving sufficient precipitation in May or later to overcome low precipitation in early spring is relatively low,” he stated, “suggesting that deciding what summer forage/cattle management strategy to implement should be made by the end of April.”

Rangeland plants show little long-term effects of periodic drought, he said. Managing use levels during the critical growing periods of cool-season grasses, during the early boot to soft dough stage, and avoiding using the same area at the same time next year can maintain long-term plant health.

Smith noted several strategies producers might use to mitigate drought effects. Rotational deferred grazing systems or short-duration grazing systems that do not graze the same pasture at the same time every year can provide protection. Use of water placement can force cattle to extend their grazing area. Later calving can shift the cow’s nutrient needs so that grazing in winter is more feasible and reduces reliance on irrigated harvested forage. Early weaning and selling or backgrounding calves can reduce forage needs.

Cattle most likely to be culled can be identified early if drought is expected and sold before prices decline and additional forage is needed, Smith stated.

On the Web: UW CES Drought Information: http://ces.uwyo.edu/Drought.asp

Wyoming Hay List: http://ces.uwyo.edu/haylist/default.htm

Contact: Steven L. Miller, Senior Editor
Phone: (307) 766-6342
E-mail: slmiller@uwyo.edu
Archived News Site http://uwadmnweb.uwyo.edu/UWAG/news.asp

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