The first difference is that this year's drought has affected pastures and crops much earlier than most other years. Cool season grasses are virtually done growing for the year; even with good rainfall they will no longer produce like they would have if moisture had been available during spring.
Warm season grasses still can respond well with decent rainfall in June, but if significant rains are delayed until mid July, these grasses will have little ability to grow.
Second, the economics of feeding your way out of drought have changed dramatically. Before you could find hay for $30, $40 or at most, $60 per ton. Now hay is running $80-$100 per ton. Grain prices also are up. Can you really afford to feed all your cows until next spring? And how much rain will you have by then? Given these factors, it may be time for livestock producers to make some tough decisions.
Bruce Anderson
Extension Forage Specialist
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