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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
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