Drought Watch
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 Ministry of Agriculture. 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.