The Nebraska Panhandle continues in a moderate to severe drought, with other areas of western Nebraska facing abnormally dry to moderate drought conditions, according to the National Drought Monitor Map released April 17. For more tools to monitor drought and its impact on agriculture, visit the National Drought Mitigation Center Web site.

April 20, 2007

Drought is likely to continue to be a problem this summer, especially in western Nebraska. Fortunately, early spring is a time you can take action that can minimize the impact of drought.

For starters, feed hay a bit longer this spring before turning cows out to permanent pasture. I know this counters my usual recommendation to graze more and feed less hay, but allowing pastures to accumulate more growth before grazing will provide more total grazable forage if drought prevents much regrowth later. Leftover hay also can be used later during the grazing season to give pastures more time to recover between grazings.

Another strategy is to plant drought-tolerant forages for pasture or hay. Summer annual grasses like sudangrass, sorghum-sudan hybrids and pearl millet are excellent choices. Wait until soils are good and warm before planting these grasses, though. Late May or early June usually is best. Be prepared in case sufficient rains don't develop again this year. Planning and acting now to reduce potential forage losses from drought will pay big dividends.

Bruce Anderson
Extension Forage Specialist