Tag: Drought
-
Summer Heat Puts Cattle Health and Performance at Risk
Oklahoma State veterinarian says water shade and early detection are key when heat and humidity climb STILLWATER, Okla. — Hot weather is part of summer in cattle country, but high temperatures mixed with humidity can quickly turn from uncomfortable to dangerous. Dr. Rosslyn Biggs, Oklahoma State University veterinarian and beef cattle Extension specialist, is urging…
-
Heavy Rain Brings Drought Relief Across Much of Farm Country
By The Ranch News Team A dramatic shift in weather has brought welcome relief to many agricultural regions across the country, as widespread rainfall reduced drought conditions in several key farming and ranching states. While some communities dealt with localized flooding, the moisture has improved soil conditions and boosted prospects for crops and pastures in…
-
Drought Means Hard Choices For Producers
BISMARCK, N.D. — Dry conditions continue to challenge livestock producers across parts of the Northern Plains, and beef cattle specialists say tough management decisions made now could have a major impact on profitability down the road. With pasture conditions tightening and forage supplies becoming more limited, some ranchers may be forced to reduce herd numbers.…
-
Hay Supplies Still Strong But Drought Raises Concerns
Hay inventories across the country are still sitting in relatively solid shape heading into summer, but worsening dry conditions in major cattle regions are keeping many livestock producers on edge. New numbers from USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service show May 1 hay stocks came in just over 3 percent below one year ago. Even with…
-
Dry Spring Raises Forage Concerns Across North Dakota
North Dakota ranchers are beginning to brace for potential forage shortages as dry weather and slow pasture growth continue across much of the state heading into summer grazing season. Extension specialists say below normal precipitation and cooler than average temperatures this spring have delayed forage development on both pasture and hay ground, raising concerns about…
-
Kansas Wheat Crop Facing Mixed Conditions Heading Into Key Development Stage
Rainfall helps, but could it be too late?? Kansas wheat producers are entering a critical stretch of the growing season as weather conditions continue varying widely across the state. Recent rainfall brought much needed moisture to portions of central and eastern Kansas, helping improve crop conditions in some areas. However, producers across western Kansas continue…