Before adverse weather conditions

  • Train all livestock to respect an electric fence.
  • Soil test at least once every five years and apply nutrients to maintain results above 12 ppm P and 120 ppm K.
  • Establish species that tolerate dry conditions, such as:
    • alfalfa
    • reed canary grass
    • orchard grass
    • tall fescue
    • and creeping red fescue
  • Implement a rotational grazing system on your farm.
  • Consider if Forage Rainfall Insurance offered by Agricorp is the right business risk management tool to help protect your farm's forage supply.

During adverse weather conditions

  • Start rotationally grazing, if not already doing so.
  • Leave 7.5 to 10 centimeters (3 to 4 inches) of residual grass after each grazing event.
  • Lengthen the amount of rest each paddock receives, so the grass plants have time to grow 3 to 4 new leaves before re-grazing:
    • Combine groups of animals into one herd or flock.
    • Increase stocking density by offering livestock less space at a time and moving them more frequently.
    • Increase the number of grazed acres by using hayfield regrowth and diversifying your grazing.
    • Feed supplemental forage on pasture before livestock run out of grass.
    • If you run out of grazing, pull livestock off the pasture and feed them stored forage until the pasture has recovered.
  • Diversify your grazing in the following ways:
    • Grain crop stubble can be good grazing for dry cows/ewes.
    • Cover crops can be excellent grazing. Some species are not safe for livestock to eat, while others can pose health risks if not managed carefully. Research the species in the mix before grazing.
    • Grain and oilseed crops may be grazed if the change of use is approved by Agricorp. Check the labels of any crop protection products applied for grazing restrictions. Animal health risks increase once crops start grain fill. Research how to safely graze grain and oilseed crops before starting.

After adverse weather conditions