Drought-stressed Rangeland:What to Expect for Forage

Production in 2002

Kevin Sedivec, Extension Rangeland Specialist

Although many parts of North Dakota received timely rains in early June, many areas were less fortunate. Samples of forage production taken mid May were 40 to 60 percent below normal production levels on native rangeland in western and central North Dakota. Samples collected June 13 in southwestern North Dakota indicated continued slow growth of warm-season grasses, while cool-season grasses were extremely stressed and had low growth. So, what can you expect to achieve for forage production in 2002?

Areas That Received Rain

Pasture and hay lands that received rain in early June should show progressive improvement in plant growth, especially the warm-season grasses. If moisture is near normal in June and July, forage production will be slightly depressed (10 to 30 percent) compared to average years. Since May was very dry throughout the state, most of the pastures that were grazed and hay ground that was harvested in 2001 were stressed and production reduced. Forage production will be improved because of the rain, but due to the early stress, will be less than normal. Warm-season grasses should achieve normal yields if moisture and temperatures are normal. The cool-season grasses will produce 60 to 80 percent of average yields if moisture levels are normal for the remainder of the growing season.

Areas That Remain Drought Stricken

Many areas of southern North Dakota and northern South Dakota remain abnormally dry. Regardless of future rainfall, forage losses will be significant. Cool-season grasses are producing seeds but very little leaf tissue, creating a situation where new forage growth must come from new root growth. Root growth (commonly referred to as tiller development) is slower and very dependent on summer moisture and temperature. Warm-season grasses are showing little growth due to loss of moisture from cool-season grass uptake and excessive evaporation from wind. If moisture continues to be low, many ranchers and hay growers can expect 40 to 80 percent losses in forage production.

If it Rains Tomorrow, Will the Grass Grow?

Rain will definitely be needed to stave off a total disaster. If the drought continues, ranchers will lose grazing days and suffer from reduced production of hay for winter livestock feed. If rain occurs at normal levels, grass growth will occur; however, some forage loss can be expected. As of mid June, drought stricken range and hay lands are at about 40 percent of average. Because these grasses have or are becoming mature, most of the lost production is irreversible. About 20 to 30 percent of grass growth on North Dakota's rangeland occurs after June. If precipitation occurs at near normal levels, expect to capture this 20 to 30 percent. So, even if it rains and continues throughout the summer, ranchers can expect no better than 60 to 70% of normal forage production.

You should plan ahead to compensate for reduced forage this growing season. The rest of the articles in this month's Ranch Hand discuss options for developing a secondary feed source, purchasing feed stuffs, or early weaning and marketing of livestock. Contact your county extension agent for alternatives and ideas to adjust for the forage production in your area.