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Community Pasture Drought Checklist
Like cattle prices, drought is predictably cyclical in its reoccurance.
For most regions,
the 1990's were years of above normal production -
an opportunity to manage rangelands so that they
recovered from the dry late 1980's. It is impossible to
predict how long dry cycles can last but it is possible to be
better prepared for the inevitable dry seasons that will
come. Effects of drought may include a shortage of forage,
a shortage of stockwater, or both. A general rule
of thumb to consider is that for a 30% reduction in
annual precipitation, you can expect an equivalent reduction
in forage production. The year following a drought
event can be as bad, or even worse, for reductions in
forage yield. The following is a check list that may help
in drought proofing your community pasture ,
recognizing that each operation represents a unique set
of perspectives, opportunities and challenges.
Addressing Forage Shortages:
Long Term:
- Maintain native rangelands and tame grass
stands in good condition and they will withstand effects
of drought much better; stock reductions may become
unnecessary during drought.
- Develop a planned grazing system which builds
in management flexibility, and improves range condition.
- Rolling landscapes are difficult for livestock
to utilize evenly. Unused portions during good years
can act as a form of "insurance" during drought.
Manage the primary use areas for at least the Good
Range Condition Class in the long term.
Short Term
- Monitor August to October rainfall to get an
idea of what the next year's forage productivity might be
- low late season precipitation usually means less
forage productivity during the next grazing season.
"Pre-condition" patrons to plan for drought as early
as possible. Delay take-in dates as late as possible
and move up round-up dates . Five to 10 days of
delayed grazing at the start of the season can mean a
big difference.
- If patrons are involved in a "breed at
home" program, delay taking those cattle as long as
possible. If your pasture accepts stocker type cattle, send
those home first.
- Do not backfill under deliveries of livestock.
Waive penalties for under deliveries where feasible.
- Use electric fencing to utilize any typically
unused forage resources where possible, such as patches
of crested wheatgrass in native rangelands; this will
delay grazing of native rangelands, to a time when it is
more tolerant of grazing.
- Delay grazing of native rangeland as long as
possible. Utilize tame grass stands to maximum
extent possible. Focus on grazing management tools that
will improve livestock distribution (such as "herding" or
fencing out stockwater sources so that they can be
used to control livestock use patterns on over used or
under used areas more effectively).
- Resist the temptation to regraze crested
wheatgrass stands after August 15th, otherwise next spring's
forage production will be reduced proportionally, and may
be compounded if drought persists.
- Stockpile any extra sources of forage, such as
hay and any unused tame or native grass, where feasible.
- On large pastures, transport livestock the
most direct route to their first pasture. On dry native
grasslands, restrict the amount of trailing to reduce disturbance
of brittle vegetation and assist in the management of
herd health due to reduced travel in dust. This may
necessitate use of portable corrals.
- Consider moving cattle to community pasture
districts that are not experiencing drought when
those pastures have capability to accept more cattle.
-
Contact your Land Manager and the Range
Management Section to help evaluate the potential
for drought on your pasture and to make long term
range management plans.
Addressing Water Shortages:
Long Term
- Snowfences for dugouts have proven to be
effective in improving dugout water supply.
- Place more focus on water quality where it may
be a problem (ie. TDS) by limiting direct access
by livestock and pumping to remote sites. Pumping
to remote sites is cheaper than regular dugout
cleanouts.. Conserve what little water you may have.
Short Term
- Consider use of a portable stockwater supply.
For smaller operations, a stock tank on a portable
vehicle may also be an excellent way to improve
livestock distribution on a pasture during drought.
- Fence off water sources that are low.
Pumping water to a remote site will improve water quality
for livestock and reduce water losses due to
livestock activity in water sources.
- For windmills, have all floats in good repair
and have seats on valves inspected on an annual
basis. Investigate use of capped storage tanks to reduce
water evaporation and preserve water quality. Stock tanks
will also help guarantee livestock access to water
during windless days or when windmills fail.
- Consider District purchase of portable assets
such as electric fence and poly pipe so that remote
stockwater sites can be initiated. These two tools will help
you improve livestock distribution when water is scarce.
This document was produced by Chris
Nykoluk, Range Management Section, PFRA, Regina, in
consultation with community pasture field staff and
Don Fontaine, Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food.
For more information or to contribute tips on
managing community pastures during drought, please call
your provincial community pasture Range Management
Specialist Don Fontaine at (306) 446-7476, or
Chris Nykoluk, Range Management Biologist at (306)
780-5066.
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