It is not a matter of if a drought occurs, but when. View our drought planning resources to help develop your drought management plan to ensure that your operation is able to weather whatever mother nature throws at it.
Drought Planning
All Drought Planning Content
Managing the Cow Herd Through Drought
Drought remains one of the most persistent and difficult challenges facing cattle producers. Managing a cow herd under drought conditions requires balancing short-term survival with long-term productivity.
Strategic Culling During Drought Can Strengthen Ranch Profitability
In today’s cattle market, thoughtful culling decisions can provide a dual benefit, generating immediate income from strong cull cow prices while reducing the number of animals to feed during periods of high feed costs and drought stress.
Maintaining Cow Herds in Times of Limited Fall and Winter Moisture
Lack of moisture has been a common theme for a majority of beef cattle producers in the Northen Great Plains the last few years. These conditions cause beef producers to stretch grazing resources and feed inventory reserves.
Online Tools To Help With Rangeland Drought Planning
Learn about some free online tools that producers can use to assess drought conditions, evaluate forage resources, and manage herds through periods of abnormally dry weather.
Planning Forage Needs
Inventorying and planning for hay and other forage feed needs is essential every year, especially when production is uncertain due to drought or excess moisture.
SDSU Extension Provides Drought Management Resources
June 08, 2022
The U.S. Drought Monitor continues to classify parts of South Dakota in some level of drought. SDSU Extension has a variety of tools and resources to assist producers with drought decision making.
Reading the Range: Range readiness, grazing timing and drought considerations
Grazing timing is key when managing rangelands during a drought. Learn how to determine grazing readiness for different plant communities found throughout pastures and rangelands.
Ranch Drought Planning
Fact sheet with general drought planning tips from the range and natural resource perspective.
Drought Considerations for Grazing Range Flocks
Having a drought plan in place to best manage pastures is critical in being prepared for next year’s grazing season. Make decisions that will manage risk and promote both flock and financial longevity.
Agronomic Considerations for Moisture Deficit Conditions
The current soil moisture stress in South Dakota could be more pronounced than we have seen in last few years. If this continues, cropping decisions may need to be adjusted for the upcoming growing season.