Ranchers Urged to Plan Grazing for Drought

By Scout Nelson

Drought conditions are creating challenges for ranchers across North Dakota. As the growing season continues, dry conditions are affecting grazing resources across much of the state. Ranchers are encouraged to review their grazing plans and prepare for the possibility that drought may continue into the 2027 growing season.

Grazing decisions made during and after drought can affect pasture health for several years. Careful management can help grasses recover, protect forage supplies, and improve the ability of a ranch to handle future dry conditions.

“It is critical that every rancher has a grazing plan in place with well-defined triggers and actions for drought and other disturbances so they can respond quickly and build resilience,” says Miranda Meehan, NDSU Extension livestock environmental stewardship specialist.

Fall grazing depends on rainfall and the types of grasses growing in pastures. Tame grass species, such as brome grass and Kentucky bluegrass, can generally handle fall grazing when ranchers avoid overgrazing. Native grass pastures require closer attention because drought and heavy use can slow plant recovery.

“If grazing native range this fall, be careful to monitor utilization and avoid overgrazing to protect tiller development of cool-season grasses,” says Meehan.

Ranchers should avoid grazing below the second node of grass plants. Tiller growth is important because tillers help plants begin new growth in spring. Drought or heavy grazing can damage tillers and delay spring growth.

Pastures that receive heavy use during drought should be given time to recover. Starting grazing too early next spring can also reduce forage production. NDSU Extension specialists report that drought can delay grazing readiness by several weeks for both introduced and native cool-season grasses.

“While it may be tempting to start grazing early due to limited forage resources, it can have long-term impacts on forage production and plant health,” says Kevin Sedivec, NDSU Extension rangeland management specialist.

A flexible grazing system can improve recovery. Using both cool- and warm-season grasses, along with annual forages, can provide more grazing options throughout the year. These choices can reduce pressure on pastures and help ranchers manage limited forage during dry periods.

FAQs

• Why is grazing management important during drought?

It helps protect stressed plants and supports pasture recovery.

• Should ranchers graze heavily used pastures this fall?

Ranchers should allow heavily used pastures to recover.

• How can early grazing affect forage production?

Grazing too early can reduce forage production by up to 60%.

• How can ranchers improve drought resilience?

Using diverse grass species and annual forages can increase flexibility.

• Could drought delay grazing in 2027?

Yes, drought may delay grazing readiness by several weeks.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-r-j-seymour