Drought conditions in Montana are taking a toll on the agricultural community, leaving many farmers and ranchers with tough decisions to make. Currently, half of the state is grappling with some level of drought, and severe drought (D2) has struck several counties in northern Montana. In this article, we will delve into the impact of drought on agricultural operations, the choices facing farmers and ranchers, and strategies to weather the drought's effects. Drought doesn't discriminate, affecting both large and small-scale operations alike. Currently, drought conditions are widespread, impacting the livelihoods of countless farmers and ranchers throughout the state. Understanding the geographical extent of this drought is crucial in assessing its impact.
Forage and Pasture Woes: A Challenge for Livestock
Drought wreaks havoc on forage production and pasture conditions. Montana ranchers are witnessing below-normal forage production and poor pasture quality, with livestock ponds running low or drying up. Monitoring water quality has become a daily necessity to ensure the health of cattle. With drought affecting pastures and native ranges, maintaining normal stocking rates becomes a challenge. Ranchers face a pivotal decision: sell cattle, relocate them to a drylot, or provide supplemental feed to counteract nutrient deficiencies in forage or pasture intake. The choice isn't easy, but it's essential for the well-being of the herd.
Finding Balance: Stocking Rates in Drought
One strategy to mitigate drought's impact is adjusting stocking rates. By reducing the number of animals or shortening the grazing period, ranchers can ease grazing pressure on overburdened pastures. This strategic approach can help preserve forage quality for the future. The pendulum of price has swung in the ranchers favor and many will be able to take advantage of the better prices this year, thankfully.
The Nutrient Equation: Strategies for Supplementing Feed
Supplementing feed is often necessary to maintain herd productivity and alleviate grazing pressure during drought. Selecting the appropriate supplements is critical. Factors such as forage supply, protein content, body condition, and cost and availability of supplements must be considered. The main objective of supplementation programs is to meet nutrient requirements as efficiently and economically as possible. The thought of replacing pasture or range with feed for cattle grazing would be to substitute daily pasture intake with an economical feed that doesn’t negatively impact forage digestion.
Grains as a Solution: How to Use Them Effectively
Grain-based supplements can reduce forage intake by providing a substitution effect. For some grains, processing may be necessary for optimum use by cattle. Corn and oats can be fed whole but may be better utilized if coarsely rolled before feeding. Barley and wheat should be coarsely rolled. Energy supplements are essential for optimal performance during drought. Unlike protein supplements, energy supplements should be delivered daily for optimal performance to avoid excess energy intake and maintain optimum conditions in the rumen.
An Alternative Approach: Drylot Feeding
This fall as pastures continue try to recover from the ongoing drought from previous years, some producers who traditionally pasture their cattle are considering feeding cow-calf pairs in confinement. In cases of extremely poor pasture conditions, drylot feeding may be more cost-effective than supplementation. It also allows pastures to recover from the drought's effects. A few of the many advantages of a dryly system include closer observation of the herd, low weaning stress, and providing opportunity to bunk break calves prior to weaning.
For farmers and ranchers facing dwindling pasture options, Tanner Anderson at Northwest Realty & Auction is here to help. Contact Tanner at 406-654-4473 or tanner@northwestrealtymt.com for drylot options and expert guidance on navigating the challenges of drought in Montana.