Producers in the Southern Plains have to make some tough decisions during the drought. Rich Machen, Texas AgriLife beef specialist in Uvalde, Texas, offers some options to consider when hay and pastures are done:
- Consider placing cows and heifers on feed. With feedyards having empty pens, placing cows in the feedyard might be an option.
- Move herd to smaller pastures, traps or pens to make feeding more convenient. Also, provide adequate water and shade.
- Liquidate the herd. For many this is a last resort, but with cull cows still strong, it might not be a bad option. As the drought lingers, however, prices will decline.
- Consider the wildlife on the land and using that to generate additional income through hunting or recreational leases.
