Extending Hay Resources for Beef Cattle During Drought Conditions

Author(s): Jason Smith

Abstract

Beef cattle producers face challenges during drought due to limited feed resources, causing early feeding of harvested feeds. Prolonged drought decreases hay availability, increasing hay prices. To extend hay resources, management practices should be considered, including reevaluating feeding methods, minimizing waste, supplementing cattle with feedstuff, using crop residues, sorting cattle based on production stage and body condition, and considering animal removal. Although no cure is available, practices discussed in this publication should be strongly considered for extending hay resources during drought conditions.