Pasture and range conditions are historically poor for this time of year because of ongoing drought west of the Mississippi River. Nearly 70 percent of hay produced, and 76 percent of the nation’s beef cow herd is located in this region. Further, producers expect to harvest the smallest amount of hay in more than a century.
Unless there is some drought relief soon . . . expect to see a much larger reduction in the beef cow herd this year.” – Scott Brown, PhD
Source: BEEF, June 7, 2021. Link.
INSIGHTS: Attention veterinarians and sales representatives! In past drought years, many cow herds were moved across the country to areas where forage was readily available. Now is the time to ensure cows are up to date on vaccines, receive spring de-wormer and are routinely checked for any lameness and body condition issues.
Also, if hay is bought from areas with different parasites or pathogens, it is important to work with producers to understand the risks in the hay origin geographies. Liver fluke is one example.