There’s no off-season in pasture management
Drought drives a lot of conversations in farming and ranching. A proactive approach, even while temperatures are dropping, benefits grazing acres both during periods of adequate moisture and when conditions turn dry.
“We’re always about a month away from drought,” says Abe Smith, Corteva Range & Pasture Specialist. “Protecting your grass pastures is just as critical in a drought as it is in a normal winter cycle.”
Although it’s not possible to fully droughtproof pastures, there are steps producers can take to make them drought-resistant:
*Focus on root health
Reducing stocking rates, moving cattle more frequently and extending pasture rest periods can help protect against overgrazing and deteriorating root reserves.
- Incorporate grazing flexibility
A strong, healthy grass stand is the best defense when moisture runs short. Breaking larger pastures into two or more smaller parcels offers significant benefits year-round, regardless of moisture levels.
- Give grasses the resources they need
Like grass, weeds thrive on moisture. It’s critical to ensure that every drop of moisture contributes to grass growth instead of weeds. Limit competitive plants that aren’t providing forage value by using a broad-spectrum herbicide with residual control, such as DuraCor® herbicide.
