As spring nears, cattle producers are preparing for grazing season, but weather conditions across the United States are creating uncertainty.
Some areas have benefited from winter moisture, but much of the Plains and Midwest are still grappling with drought or overly saturated soils. Experts stress that spring rain is key for forage growth, however, forecasts suggest drier, hotter weather could return by May, leaving some producers to consider alternatives like supplementing hay or planting forage crops to offset pasture shortages.
Agricultural specialists suggest developing a drought plan early, including extending hay feeding before turning cattle out and planting drought-resilient forage crops such as Sudangrass or pearl millet.
The rest of spring is expected to remain active, potentially offering relief or additional challenges depending on the region.
Photo Credit: The USDA
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