The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension released guidance on May 29 for livestock producers facing severe and sustained drought, detailing management tactics to minimize both short- and long-term losses in forage-based operations.
According to the publication, early proactive decisions are crucial when mild drought conditions begin. In the initial stages, producers are advised to reduce stocking rates and consider supplemental feedstuffs as forage growth slows due to inadequate rainfall and increased evapotranspiration. Producers should review herd records, prioritize animals likely to yield long-term returns, and prepare cull lists based on factors such as age, reproductive efficiency, disposition, and weaning weights.
As drought progresses into more severe stages, the guidance recommends restricting pasture access by using a designated “sacrifice area” for feeding herds. Overgrazing during this period can harm forage persistence and lead to future weed encroachment or soil erosion. The document states that maintaining minimum stubble heights for various grasses is important and emphasizes careful cost analysis of supplemental feeds. Early weaning may be necessary in order to maintain brood animals on poor-quality forage with minimal supplements.
For extreme or prolonged drought conditions, the publication urges producers to use up-to-date inventories of available feedstock before deciding how many animals can be feasibly maintained through the duration of the event. It warns against resuming grazing too soon after rain returns due to potential toxic compounds like nitrates or prussic acid in some grasses following a drought-ending rain. The resource also highlights that culling decisions should focus on maintaining only those animals likely to generate economic returns.
Producers are encouraged to investigate government assistance programs such as those offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency after severe drought events or through insurance programs requiring pre-enrollment. The publication concludes that while herd management cannot always prevent short-term losses during a drought, it can help avoid longer-term damage if approached strategically.
