NDSU Shares Drought Herd Management Tips

By Scout Nelson

North Dakota cattle producers are facing difficult conditions as drought continues across much of the High Plains. Low rainfall and dry pasture conditions are creating challenges for herd management, forage availability, and animal health. Because of these conditions, some producers may need to reduce herd size to match available grazing resources.

North Dakota State University Extension recommends producers focus on keeping the most productive and reproductively efficient females in their herds. NDSU livestock management specialist Lacey Quail explains that reproductive success plays a major role in long term profitability for cow calf operations.

“Reproduction is the largest driver of profitability in the cow herd,” says Quail, “so it is critical to prioritize reproductive efficiency in retained females if faced with culling decisions during drought.”

For more details from NDSU Extension on the importance of early-calving females, visit ndsu.ag/first-21-calving.

Extension specialists encourage producers to review herd and calving records carefully before making culling decisions. Females that become pregnant early in the breeding season and calve earlier are often more productive. Their calves are usually heavier at weaning, and these cows are more likely to become pregnant again during the next breeding season.

For more NDSU Extension information on identifying and managing heat stress, visit “Dealing With Heat Stress in Beef Cattle Operations” at ndsu.ag/beef-heat-stress.

Quail also notes that first calf heifers that calve early often remain productive in the herd longer than later calving females. This helps improve overall herd efficiency and profitability over time.

Heat stress is another major concern during drought conditions. High temperatures force cattle to use more energy to stay cool, which can affect growth, reproduction, and health. Producers are advised to manage water access, shade, transportation, and fly control carefully during hot weather.

“Plan to handle, transport or trail cattle in the morning when the risk of heat stress is typically lower,” says Quail.

For a daily forecast of cattle heat stress risk, visit the North Dakota Agricultural Weather Network website.

Nutrition is also important during drought because poor forage quality can reduce body condition and lower pregnancy rates. Producers may need to provide supplements to meet cattle energy and protein needs while grazing dry pastures.

For more information about dry conditions, visit ndsu.ag/drought-26.

Photo Credit: north-dakota-state-university