If you still have grass, grow now, graze later
Stockpile Missouri pastures by fertilizing now and delaying grazing to save hay and boost forage quality through winter.
Now is time for 911 emergency forages
Explore emergency forage options to sustain livestock during ongoing drought and feed shortages.
Drought meetings offered in SW Missouri Aug. 4
Attend free SW Missouri meetings Aug. 4 for cattle producers on drought survival, hay management, and feeding strategies.
Early weaning calves to reduce nutrient needs during drought
STOCKTON, Mo. – “Early wean calves to reduce cow herd nutrient needs to match drought-limited feed resources,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist. In addition, early weaning can improve calf performance because calves are put on a more nutritious diet following weaning.Davis discusses strategies to help cattle producers be successful in early weaning calves:
Seed for an 'annual pasture within a perennial pasture'
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Producers looking for ways to grow forages during drought might consider planting an “annual pasture within a perennial pasture,” says University of Missouri Extension state forage specialist Harley Naumann.Naumann says this is a good year to add cool-season annual grass seed to perennial pastures. Cool-season grasses can extend the growing season, provide excellent nutritive value and complement thin pastures.
Use caution when using drought-stricken corn for relief feed
Learn safe methods for feeding drought-stressed corn to livestock, including nitrate testing, harvesting, and supplementation tips.
Don't waste precious hay during drought
Protect hay during drought by feeding wisely, reducing waste, and improving herd performance with simple strategies.
Check with your crop insurance agent before you cut
Consult your insurance agent before cutting or grazing crops to protect coverage and avoid losing potential claims.
Things to consider as you feed your way through the drought
“Cattle producers are dealing with varying degrees of drought and forage resources,” says Patrick Davis MU Extension livestock field specialist. Some cattle producers have received adequate rain and are recovering from the 2022 drought through rebuilding forage and cattle resources. Other cattle producers have received limited rain and are continuing to deal with drought conditions from 2022 with less resources in 2023.
Top 5 livestock forage actions to take during drought
Learn five key actions to manage livestock forage and feed effectively during drought conditions.
Ammoniation stretches hay supplies during drought
This is part of an MU Extension series to help row crop and livestock producers manage drought. For more articles, go to Drought Resources. COLUMBIA, Mo. – As hay supplies dwindle, University of Missouri Extension agronomist Rusty Lee is showing forage producers how to use a simple, inexpensive treatment to stretch feed supplies during drought.
Trees in drought: Love and water deeply
Protect trees in drought by watering deeply, mulching, and checking soil to keep roots healthy and resilient.
Use spray-wait-spray to renovate drought-stricken pastures
Learn how the spray-wait-spray method can renovate drought-hit pastures with nontoxic fescue efficiently.
What is the cost of baling wheat straw?
Learn how to calculate the cost of baling wheat straw by weighing nutrient value, soil impacts, baling charges, and profit margins for fair pricing.
High heat and dry conditions can put fish ponds at risk
High heat and dry conditions can lower pond oxygen and water levels, putting fish at risk and requiring careful management.
Bristle for thistles that run amok
Musk and bull thistles have spread across Missouri fields, requiring control. Learn strategies for thistle management, including mowing and biological methods.
Water deeply and wisely during drought
During drought, water plants deeply and wisely to help them survive dry spells. Follow expert tips for effective watering.
MU Extension specialists report thin pasture stands, low yields
Dry conditions are causing thin pastures and low hay yields across Missouri, stressing farmers and livestock producers this spring.
Cheap hay isn't cheap
Cheap hay can cost more in the long run due to poor quality, storage, and feeding practices.
Regional drought calls for winter feed strategies
MOUNT VERNON, Mo. – Drought in southwestern Missouri calls for long- and short-term feed plans for beef and dairy herds. University of Missouri Extension state dairy specialist Stacey Hamilton urges producers not to panic as local feed supplies dwindle. There are options to carry herds through winter until spring pastures green.
Plan to meet weaning challenges
SEDALIA, Mo. – Weaning spring calves may be more of a challenge this year because of short pasture supplies and the questionable nutritional value of this year’s hay crop.“Pay very close attention to body condition score in September and be prepared to wean, if necessary,” said Gene Schmitz, University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist in Sedalia.Schmitz recently worked through a feeding scenario for a producer that highlights…
Drought recovery forage options
GALENA, Mo. – “If there was ever a year to focus on stockpiled tall fescue, this is it,” says Tim Schnakenberg, University of Missouri Extension agronomy specialist in Galena.
Apply fall nitrogen now to boost forage stockpiles
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension nutrient management specialist John Lory recommends applying fall nitrogen in mid-August to cool-season pastures. Despite drought conditions in much of the state, Lory says, “we need to get nitrogen applied now so we can take full advantage of the rains when they do arrive.”
Drought requires feed efficiency in cattle
Drought strains hay supplies; cattle producers can improve efficiency with feed testing, supplements, and careful ration planning.
SW Missouri no stranger to drought in forages
Recurring drought in southwest Missouri strains pastures and forage growth; strategies for resilience and recovery.