Drought recovery is a gradual process that requires strategic management to ensure pastures are resilient in their fight to regain health and productivity. Effective pasture management is crucial for drought recovery. Quality strategies should be used to restore your pastures and ensure long-term sustainability. Drought conditions have overtaken thousands of acres of grazing pastures in the United States this year. Per the October 29, 2024, USDA drought monitor, 62 percent of the nation's beef cattle are in intense drought conditions. Forage-based operations, like hay and alfalfa, are in 63 to 65 percent intense drought conditions. These drought conditions have created much worry for the rancher. Cattle have been sold due to the loss of forage production, limiting pasture carrying capacity. Hay production, for winter feeding has dropped significantly, leaving the rancher searching for hay to purchase, which in itself has been a difficult task. Just two weeks ago, I had a rancher approach me asking if I knew where he could buy some bales of hay. The rancher said he wouldn't mind driving to purchase some hay because he had some good cows and didn't want to sell them. Sadly, this is the state many are in, and it truly is a dilemma. The question then arises, what can ranchers do after the drought lifts to ensure the best recovery for their grazing spaces? The following practical strategies can assist your efforts.  ... Read more

Discover how herbicide treatments can be effective, even in the coldest months.... Read more

When you talk to a rancher about spraying herbicides in the spring for weed reduction, and also treating in the fall for weed control, you sometimes get a confused look. Many do not realize the benefits of a fall herbicide application on grazing pastures. ... Read more

Downy brome, commonly known as cheatgrass, is an invasive, winter annual that occupies over 76 million acres of land throughout the Western United States. This grass drives many treatment decisions as it creates monocultures by overpowering native rangeland species, causes an increased risk of wildfires, and decreases diversity and warm-season grass and forage production.   ... Read more