How cattle owners in drought-affected regions graze and supplement cattle in dry spells have long-lasting economic and ecological effects. Noble Research Institute’s Ranch Manager Clark Roberts offers five tips to consider before making winter management decisions.
1) Consider culling
2) Know the quality and quantity of your forages
3) Know each animal’s demands
4) Balance energy and protein
5) Keep in mind the long-term effects of feeding hay
Source: Noble Research institute, December 2022, Link. Make sure that whatever you’re doing, you keep your ecological and economic thresholds in mine when managing through drought,” he says. “Focusing on one and not the other can get you into trouble pretty quickly.
INSIGHTS: This article is a perfect conversation starter for reps who call on cattle producers to add value to the products and services they offer. Good producers will appreciate sound advice that helps keep their businesses profitable. These tips also apply to producers in areas not affected by drought.