Drought Management and Safety

Drought is an inevitable part of ranching in Texas. Preparing for dry conditions and making timely decisions protects both your animals and your operation's long-term sustainability.

Monitoring Drought Conditions

Stay informed using these resources:

• U.S. Drought Monitor (droughtmonitor.unl.edu)
• NOAA Climate Prediction Center
• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension drought resources
• Local soil moisture monitoring

Early Warning Signs

Act before conditions become critical:

• Declining stock pond levels
• Reduced forage growth
• Wells producing less water
• Increasing dust and bare ground
• Wildlife moving to water sources

Water Management

Conservation Strategies

• Fix leaks in pipes and tanks immediately
• Install float valves to prevent overflow
• Use timers on automatic systems
• Consider water recycling where appropriate
• Reduce non-essential water use

Alternative Sources

• Identify potential alternative water sources
• Know well drilling contractors and timelines
• Research water hauling options and costs
• Investigate temporary pipeline options

Water Quality Concerns

Concentrated water sources can cause:

• Blue-green algae blooms (toxic)
• Increased salt concentration
• Higher bacteria levels
• Crowding and injury at water points

Stocking Rate Decisions

When to Reduce

Make reduction decisions early:

• Sell before animals lose condition
• Market early to avoid flooded cattle markets
• Keep breeding stock as priority
• Consider custom grazing arrangements

How Much to Reduce

General guidelines:

• 25% forage reduction = 25% stocking rate reduction
• Account for both current forage and regrowth potential
• Consider hay availability and cost

Nutrition During Drought

Forage Alternatives

• Test all alternative feeds for nutritional value
• Introduce new feeds gradually
• Watch for toxic plants in purchased hay
• Calculate cost per unit of nutrition, not per ton

Protein Supplementation

Drought-stressed forages often need supplementation:

• Low-quality hay requires protein supplements
• Provide adequate mineral supplementation
• Ensure vitamin A availability
• Monitor body condition closely

Safety Hazards During Drought

Fire Risk

• Implement fire breaks around structures
• Keep water available for firefighting
• Clear brush and dead vegetation
• Have evacuation plans ready
• Know burn ban status

Poisonous Plants

Drought increases poisoning risk:

• Hungry animals eat plants normally avoided
• Nitrate accumulation in stressed forages
• Prussic acid in drought-stressed sorghums
• Toxic weeds more prominent

Infrastructure Stress

• Check tank and pond dam integrity
• Monitor well levels and pump function
• Inspect fencing in high-traffic areas
• Watch for equipment overheating

Financial Planning

Documentation

• Keep records of drought conditions
• Document livestock losses
• Photograph pasture conditions
• Save feed and hay receipts

Assistance Programs

• USDA Livestock Forage Disaster Program
• Emergency Conservation Program
• ELAP for livestock water losses
• FSA emergency loans

Recovery Planning

After drought:

• Rest pastures before restocking
• Test soil for nutrient depletion
• Rebuild hay reserves before expanding herd
• Evaluate water infrastructure for improvements
• Update drought contingency plans