Drought remains one of the most persistent and difficult challenges facing cattle producers.
“Managing a cow herd under drought conditions requires balancing short-term survival with long-term productivity,” explains Kim Ricardo, South Dakota State University (SDSU) extension forage field specialist.
In a recent SDSU Livestock Newsletter, Ricardo explains this means honestly evaluating available resources, making timely decisions, adjusting nutrition programs and protecting both pasture health and core herd genetics. She says delayed action often increases feed costs, reduces pasture recovery and limits marketing flexibility.
How to Assess Forage and Water Before Making Any Moves
Effective drought management begins with a clear understanding of available forage and water resources. Grazing capacity often declines more quickly than expected under dry conditions, making early inventory critical.
“Producers should evaluate hay supplies, estimate remaining pasture production and assess water availability,” Ricardo says.
The Forage Inventory and Demand Calculator can be used to help determine available forage, how long forage supply will last and what supplementation might be necessary.
Water quality can become a significant concern during drought, especially in ponds and dugouts where mineral concentrations increase as water levels decline. Testing questionable water sources can help prevent performance or health issues later in the season.
Once resources are accurately assessed, producers can determine whether current stocking rates are sustainable.
“In most cases, reducing stocking pressure early helps prevent more severe challenges later,” Ricardo stresses.
Which Cattle to Cull First — and Why Timing Matters
Strategic culling is one of the most effective tools for managing drought.
“With cattle prices historically strong, early culling can reduce forage demand while allowing producers to market cattle before widespread drought liquidation weakens prices,” Ricardo says.
Open cows are typically the first candidates for culling, making pregnancy diagnosis especially valuable during drought years. She suggests these additional culling considerations:
- Older cows.
- Poor performers.
- Late-bred females.
- Structural or disposition concerns.
“Protecting the most productive and genetically valuable animals is essential for long-term recovery,” she explains. “Young females with strong reproductive history and cows that consistently wean high-quality calves often justify additional investment.”
She adds delaying culling decisions reduces flexibility and increases feed costs, while early action provides more marketing opportunities and helps protect pasture conditions.
Feeding Strategies When Forage Quality and Quantity Decline
As drought progresses, forage quality declines.
“Mature, drought-stressed forages are typically lower in energy and protein content, increasing the risk of nutritional deficiencies and body condition loss,” she explains. “Maintaining adequate body condition is critical for reproductive success and overall herd health.”
Supplementation programs should be based on forage testing whenever possible to maximize efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Key considerations include:
- Protein supplementation to improve utilization of low-quality forage
- Energy supplementation when forage quantity is limited
“Alternative feed resources may help stretch supplies, including crop residues, byproducts and annual forages,” Ricardo says. “However, these feeds must be carefully evaluated to ensure proper ration balance to avoid digestive or nutritional issues.”
The Feed Nutrient Comparison Calculator can help determine the most cost-effective feedstuff for your operation.
Early weaning is another effective tool for managing drought.
“Because lactation represents the highest nutrient demand, early weaning can significantly reduce forage requirements and help cows maintain condition going into the next breeding cycle,” she adds.
How to Prevent Long-Term Pasture Damage During Drought
Overgrazing during drought poses serious long-term risks.
“While feed shortages may tempt producers to extend grazing periods, excessive pressure can damage desirable species and slow pasture recovery,” Ricardo explains. “Maintaining adequate residual cover helps protect plant root systems, conserve soil moisture and reduce erosion. Whenever possible, preserving pasture health should remain a priority even during severe drought.”
Rotational grazing systems can provide added flexibility by allowing longer rest periods for stressed pastures. In some situations, producers may choose to sacrifice smaller areas while protecting more productive pastures.
“Drought can also increase weed pressure as desirable species weaken. Additionally, cattle may consume potentially toxic plants they may normally avoid, making close pasture monitoring essential,” she explains.
Keeping Cattle Healthy When Heat, Dust and Stress Peak
Drought conditions place additional stress on cattle and can increase disease risk. Factors such as dust, heat, nutritional stress and limited water availability may reduce immune function.
“Maintaining vaccination and parasite control programs remains important, even when budgets are tight,” Ricardo stresses. “Preventative health measures are generally more cost-effective than treating disease outbreaks. Heat stress management should also be a priority. Providing adequate water access, shade and airflow can help maintain performance during elevated temperatures.”
Water quality warrants close attention. As water sources decline, sulfate concentrations often increase due to evaporation. Elevated sulfates can lead to:
- Reduced intake
- Impaired mineral absorption (especially copper)
- Poor performance
- Scours
- Polioencephalomalacia (in severe cases)
Testing water sources during prolonged drought can identify issues early.
Budgeting for Drought: When to Feed Through It and When to Sell
Drought management decisions should incorporate both immediate needs and long-term financial implications.
“In some situations, retaining cows through expensive feeding programs may exceed the cost of later replacement,” Ricardo says. “In others, preserving proven genetics may justify the added expense.”
Each operation is different, making careful budgeting essential. Producers should also be aware of available resources such as government drought assistance, pasture insurance and disaster relief programs. Understanding these options in advance can improve decision-making flexibility.
Facing Drought? Here’s How USDA Can Help
“I know that navigating drought can feel overwhelming, but be assured that USDA has a team of dedicated people and a suite of programs that can help you recover from losses, reduce future risk or prepare your operation for the future,” says Richard Fordyce, USDA undersecretary for farm production and conservation, in a recent press release.
If you raise livestock, assistance is available through:
- Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP), for grazing losses.
- Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-raised Fish Program (ELAP), for feed losses and transportation costs for feed and water and livestock.
- Emergency haying and grazing of land enrolled in Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), to help in a time of forage shortage. During the primary nesting season, emergency grazing can proceed with a 50% reduction in stocking rate, provided the county where the CRP is located is eligible for LFP.
- Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) coverage for certain forage and grazing losses if they are classified as NAP-eligible crops.
The Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) and Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) provide financial and technical assistance to restore and rehabilitate farmland and nonindustrial private forests and implement water conservation practices during severe drought.
Similarly, the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) provides financial and technical assistance to implement conservation practices. Common drought recovery includes forest management plans, tree/shrub establishment, brush management, prescribed grazing, pasture and hay planting, wildlife habitat, livestock watering systems, and cover crops.
Planning for Herd Rebuilding Before the Drought Even Ends
Ricardo says producers who preserve their most productive animals and maintain management flexibility are generally better positioned for recovery. Drought can also serve as an opportunity to evaluate improvements in grazing management systems, water infrastructure, forage reserves and contingency planning.
“Drought is an unavoidable aspect of beef cattle production, but its long-term impact can be reduced through proactive management,” she summarizes. “Early decision-making, disciplined resource use and a focus on herd efficiency allow producers to navigate challenging conditions while protecting both land and livestock productivity.”
