Drought: Business/Economics

All Drought: Business/Economics Content
Cattle feeding in a feed bunk.

Don’t Let Dry Conditions Take a Toll on Breeding Success

If you feel pastures are not going to provide adequate nutrients to prepare cows for breeding, here are some management strategies that can be done to potentially stimulate estrus, maintain good pregnancy rates, and save some feed resources too.

Young calf resting at pasture.

Economic Considerations for Early Weaning

There is an excellent reason why ranchers use early weaning as a drought management tool: Weaning calves early reduces the amount of feed required to maintain the cow.

Small group of cattle at pasture.

Feeding at the Right Price

Managing feedstuffs efficiently becomes more important during drought conditions or low revenue years.

Color-coded map of South Dakota and other Midwestern states. Colors indicate a higher risk of unplanted areas in Eastern and Northeastern South Dakota.

Stretching Corn Silage Supplies

During the 2002 drought there was a need to stretch corn silage supplies as a result of the drought that affected the U.S. Now we deal with the opposite scenario, where excessive spring rains have not allowed farmers to get to the fields. In both situations livestock producers face challenges.