As pasture productivity continues to decline due to drought conditions, cattle farmers are facing the challenge of managing low forage situations. Travis Meteer, a beef specialist at the University of Illinois Extension, offers valuable tips and strategies to extend the grazing season and supplement feed rations, preventing weight loss in cows.
Key Tips for Managing Low Forage Situations:
- Rotate grazing lands and provide intervals of rest to extend the grazing season.
- Consider grazing cattle on cornstalks in the fall and utilizing cover crops as forage.
- Explore options to purchase local crop byproducts for feed rations, such as wet corn gluten feed and modified wet distillers' grain.
- Evaluate the possibility of thinning the herd through culling to reduce grazing pressure.
- Review all available feeding options and formulate a customized plan based on individual circumstances.
While these tips offer potential solutions, it's important to acknowledge the challenging reality of drought-related feed issues in the entire Midwestern region. The absence of a quick fix means cattle farmers must carefully consider their options and make informed decisions based on their specific situations.
Managing low forage situations requires proactive measures, adaptability, and a focus on optimizing available resources. By implementing these strategies, cattle farmers can mitigate the impact of reduced pasture productivity and navigate through the challenging times presented by drought conditions.
Photo Credit: GettyImages-PamWalker68
Categories: Illinois, Livestock