The critical state of most of the pasture and hay land in Burke County is creating problems for many producers. First cutting hay yield looks to be 1/2 of normal and pasture health continues to deteriorate. Livestock producers need to make some decisions now to avoid a crisis later in the summer.

Begin by assessing this year's first cutting of hay, what forage is available, and any remaining hay from last year. Producers can then decide if there is enough feed to get through the drought without changing herd size or management. Also, test hay so that proper supplements can be fed if needed.

Avoid keeping open animals, or replacement females this summer. Older females and high maintenance, poor doers should be culled. Culling poor producers now will have a significant impact on feed resources and profitability.

Try early weaning. Young animals can be weaned as young as 90 days old. Females can then be essentially drylotted and fed last year’s hay. Young animals can be grazed with grain supplementation.

Hay should not be the first feed considered for purchase. In general, hay is high priced during droughts and transportation costs per pound of nutrients are high, compared to grains and some commodity by-product feeds. Based on energy available, each pound of grain will replace as much as 2 lbs. of average quality hay. High fiber, commodity feeds such as corn gluten and soyhulls are the best options for supplementing animals during drought. Adult animals should be limit fed supplements, rather than fed free choice.