Drought Management Checklist

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	Drought Management Checklist


	The following checklist can assist in making both long-term and day-to-day decisions related to drought. Consider each item as you make management decisions related to drought conditions on your farm; then follow the links for further production and management information related to each question. Drought management decisions - spring Have I checked the current and long-term weather forecast for my area? Is there adequate soil moisture to seed at this time? Have I selected the most appropriate crops to seed for current moisture and market conditions? Do I have alternate plans in place for feeding livestock if spring pasture production is poor? Do I have adequate production insurance coverage? Learn more about drought-related management decisions you can make in the spring. Drought management decisions - summer If I need emergency hay or grain, or extra pasture, have I made arrangements to get it? Have I considered alternate uses for my crops? Have I secured a dependable water source? Have I appropriately adjusted production inputs to reflect current moisture and market conditions? Am I monitoring the weather forecast? Should I consider reducing livestock inventory? Have I checked with federal and provincial government agencies for information on support programs that may provide financial support during a drought? Have I noticed any signs of stress in myself or my family? Learn more about drought-related management decisions you can make in the summer. Drought management decisions - fall Have I used proper soil moisture conservation techniques this fall to improve growing conditions for next spring? Have I appropriately adjusted harvest and post harvest inputs to reflect current moisture and market conditions? Do I have adequate feed and water stores to maintain my herd through the winter? Should I consider reducing my livestock inventory? Have I checked the current and long-term weather forecast for my area? Learn more about drought-related management decisions you can make in the fall. Drought management decisions - winter Have I checked the long-range forecast for winter precipitation in my area? Am I gathering information to make informed production decisions for the spring? Have I made plans to adjust spring range and pasture management for drought conditions? Have I honestly gauged the effects of drought and the resulting financial and mental stress on my family and taken steps to deal with it? Learn more about drought-related management decisions you can make in the winter. Year-round drought management decisions Am I using appropriate soil moisture management? Have I considered all reasonable options for long-term water conservation and riparian management? Am I using appropriate long-term range and pasture management? Do I have adequate on-farm water storage? Is my marketing plan up-to-date, and do I have or need a contingency plan? Am I informed of climate and weather patterns in my area?

	Other Documents in the Series
	Year-Round Drought Management Decisions Drought Management Decisions - Spring Drought Management Decisions - Summer Drought Management Decisions - Fall Drought Management Decisions - Winter Drought Management Checklist - Current Document

	For more information about the content of this document, contact Marcia Hewitt-Fisher. This document is maintained by Isabel Simons-Everett. This information published to the web on June 15, 2001. Last Reviewed/Revised on April 25, 2006.

Drought Management Checklist

Other Documents in the Series