Feeding Livestock in Drought Years

Drought conditions are a major concern for livestock producers because it impacts forage growth for feed for livestock. Producers may turn to grain for feed for their livestock which may impact the amount that producers pay for feed.

According to an article written by Gould and Cassida (2021), Forage alternatives for livestock in drought years - Forages (msu.edu), managing forage can impact livestock nutritional requirements from grazing especially in drought years. It is important in all climates that producers manage their forage efficiently to give plants a break from livestock to regrow.

Gould and Cassida (2021) also suggest that annual forages are a good alternative to perennial forages because they can withstand growing within eight weeks from planting in a minimal amount of water.