Improve Herd Health During Dry Conditions

By Scout Nelson

Mixed precipitation during the growing season creates unique challenges for livestock producers. While rainfall during summer may improve pasture conditions, it may not fully replace the lack of moisture received earlier in the year. Ranchers should continue evaluating pasture conditions and herd performance to make timely management decisions that support both forage production and livestock health.

Krista Ehlert, Associate Professor & SDSU Extension Range Specialist, along with Kaylee Wheeler and Jameson Brennan, highlighted that spring moisture plays the biggest role in pasture growth across South Dakota. Cool-season grasses produce about 75% of their annual forage by the end of June, making rainfall during April, May, and June much more valuable than rainfall received later in the season.

Even when rain arrives during July, many cool-season grasses have already completed most of their growth. Warm-season grasses and annual plants may benefit from later rainfall, but pastures may remain below normal if early-season precipitation was limited. For example, South Dakota Mesonet stations recorded precipitation deficits between 3.8 and 5.1 inches through June 22, 2026, despite receiving some timely rainfall.

Soil moisture also remains an important factor. Moisture stored during the dormant season supports spring green-up, but limited winter and early spring precipitation reduces this reserve. Producers should watch for cracked soil, hard ground, stunted forage, early dormancy, bare patches, and dry soil profiles, as these are signs that pastures remain under stress.

Regular pasture monitoring is essential throughout the grazing season. Grazing exclosures can help compare grazed and ungrazed areas, while measuring forage height, plant density, and species composition provides valuable information about pasture health. Ranchers should also watch for overgrazing, slow regrowth, increasing invasive plants, and cattle grazing closer to the ground than normal.

Early weaning can be an effective management tool during forage shortages. Weaning calves between 90 and 150 days of age reduces a cow’s nutritional needs by 25% to 30%, helping preserve body condition while lowering pasture demand. This practice can extend the grazing season and reduce pressure on stressed rangelands.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-r-j-seymour