The drought monitor report as of March 26 is showing conditions unchanged from the previous week. The six- to 10-day outlook (April 2-6) indicates near normal temperatures and a 33 to 40% chance of leaning below normal precipitation. The eight- to 14-day outlook (April 4-10) indicates a 40 to 50% chance of leaning above normal for temperatures and a 33 to 40% chance of leaning to above normal precipitation.
Compared to the last several years, we do have some soil moisture. Some of our area is out of drought, Barton is abnormally dry, and east of Barton county we find moderate drought and a few small areas of severe drought. A year ago, we were mostly in extreme and exceptional drought. This drought has been a challenge for crop producers but perhaps even more so for cattle production. Hay has been scarce as well as winter cereal pasture. Especially hard hit has been our perennial pasture acreage. Compounding the lack of moisture and forage, cattle producers had to leave cattle out on perennial pasture when they should have pulled them as they had nowhere else to go. This compounded the drought effects. As of now, while not wet, perennial pastures at least have decent chance of grass production. Today, let’s consider a few ideas of what to do to optimize production and start to hopefully improve pasture conditions.
• Producers already do this, but prescribed burning is a vital tool in pasture management. It eliminates excess grass growth, recycles nutrients, eliminates certain insect, tick and disease pressure, helps control invasive broadleaf weeds, and is a very effective tool in eliminating Eastern Red Cedar. Now, is an excellent time to burn, conditions permitting, and speeds growth. It doesn’t necessarily need done every year.
• Depending on weed species and pressure, consider an herbicide program. It’s important to read the label regarding haying and grazing restrictions. But the last few years have been a boon for weeds such as musk thistle, Sericea Lespedeza, and other problem broadleaf weeds.
• Consider appropriate fertilization after a soil test. It may or may not indicate a need but doesn’t cost much. Remember that proper plant nutrition improves palatability and gain. One that isn’t often considered but may help is a light nitrogen application. We are removing nutrients as we add weight to cattle. Some it is replaced through manure and urine but not all and cattle don’t tend to distribute it evenly across the field.
• Finally, don’t overgraze. This can be a challenge but overall there are fewer cattle out there which might make it a bit easier. Also, if possible and practical, rotational grazing to more intensively gaze an area, move on, and allow it time to rest.
Dr. Victor L. Martin is the agriculture instructor/coordinator for Barton Community College. He can be reached at 620-792-9207, ext. 207, or martinv@bartonccc.edu.
