Poor forage stands carried over from last year’s drought, lower hay yields, less fertilizer used and a drought again for 2023 has created major uncertainty in the Missouri beef industry. These challenges will affect livestock producers who are preparing to feed cattle this winter with little forage and hay on hand. The Lawrence and Christian County Extension Councils are offering meetings on Friday, August 4 at two locations for cattle producers who want to discuss this issue and gain tips for how to build resilience and survive the effects of drought.
The programs will focus on the cattle market outlook, assessing hay prices, using alternative feeds, feeding silage, nitrate concerns, tips for culling the herd, early weaning, assessing the need for forage renovation, forage options for the fall and beyond and a look at economics associated with forage irrigation.
“Back-to-back droughts have taken a major toll on livestock farms and ranches in the area. Short hay supplies will continue to plague these farms as we go into winter”, said Tim Schnakenberg, a field specialist in agronomy with University of Missouri Extension based in Galena. “Producers need to evaluate if they should continue to sell down, look into new options for feeding and what they can do to make themselves more resilient if these weather patterns continue.”
Dr, Eric Bailey, state beef nutrition specialist, Patrick Davis and Andy McCorkill, livestock specialists, Joe Horner and Wesley Tucker, ag business specialists and Tim Schnakenberg will be on hand for the discussion. On August 4 a meeting will be offered from 8:30 a.m. until 11:45 at the University of Missouri Southwest Research, Extension and Education Center (14548 Hwy H) at Mt. Vernon. Another meeting will be offered from 2 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. the same day at the First Baptist Church in Clever (105 Kennedy Ave.).
To register, either call 417-357-6812 or register online for Mt. Vernon at https://bit.ly/MVDrought or for Clever at https://bit.ly/CleverDrought
