Drought-Related Resources for Cattle Producers
General
Drought: More Than a Summer Challenge – BCRC Webinar Recording, November 15, 2023
Keeping Today’s Drought from Becoming Tomorrow’s Problem – Post – July 25, 2023
Seven things to be aware of during times of drought
Rebuild and Recover: Two Producers Share Their Experiences with Fire and Drought – Post – January 6, 2022
Two producers share their experiences with dealing with the aftermath of fire and drought.
Experts Respond To Drought Questions – Post with Webinar Recording – August 10, 2021
Includes key points and the full recording of a webinar held on July 29, 2021, that answered producer questions about feeding cattle during a drought.
Decision Making During Drought – Post – August 18, 2021
Considerations that may be helpful when making herd decisions such as culling, early weaning and winter feeding.
Drought Management Strategies – Topic Webpage
A complete overview that covers many producer considerations during and after a drought. Includes links to additional resources and calculators.
Resources for Drought Management – Post – April 29, 2021
Includes 8 tips for dealing with drought as well as links to BCRC and other resources that producers may find useful while in a drought.
Feed Value, Options and Quality
Salvaging a Crop? Here Are Some Things to Consider When Valuing a Crop for Feed – Post and Calculator – July 23, 2021
Intended to aid producers when determining the value of salvaged crop for feed.
* Note: Potential residue from chemical use should be a consideration. Download the VBP+ Salvaging Damaged Crops for Livestock Feed Fact Sheet.
Feed Testing & Analysis for Beef Cattle – Topic Webpage and Interactive Decision Tool
It is essential, especially in drought conditions, that producers test their feed and balance rations accordingly. This webpage includes information on how and why to test feed as well as an interactive calculator. Producers can input their feed test results to determine whether the feed should be supplemented based on the group of cattle they plan to feed it to. **It is important to note this tool does not take into account other antinutritional factors (e.g. nitrates and sulfates) that can be a more common problem with alternative feeds.
Alternative Feeds – Topic Webpage
With drought being so widespread, producers will be turning to different crops to help get them through the fall and winter. This webpage includes information on things to consider when feeding alternatives as well as specific information on many of the feed sources producers may be considering.
Winter Feed Cost Comparison Calculator – Interactive Calculator
This Excel-based calculator allows producers to compare cattle diets on a low-cost basis. It is not designed for balancing rations.
Water
Test Stock Water to Reduce Worry – Post – May 19, 2021
Stock water tips and excerpts from 2020 Canadian Beef Industry Conference Bov-Innovation Session
What’s in Your Stock Water – Post – August 27, 2019
Why and how to test, where to send samples, and how to interpret results.
Water Systems for Beef Cattle – Topic Webpage
Includes graphics on water quality and things to consider when setting up a new or temporary water source, as well as information on different types of watering systems.
What’s in your Water? Water Quality and the Economics of Pump Systems – Webinar Recorded March 2019
Feed and Water Testing Demonstration – Video Recorded August 2020
2020 Canadian Beef Industry Conference Bov-Innovation Session
Additional Resources
Pregnancy Detection – Topic Webpage
With low feed supplies, producers may consider early culling of open animals. This webpage includes information on pregnancy detection as well as a calculator that allows producers to determine whether preg checking will pay off on their operation.
Mycotoxins – Topic Webpage
Many producers may be turning to feeds they aren’t used to feeding this fall. Mycotoxins are more of a risk in wet conditions but they still can be present when it is dry as well. This page includes information on mycotoxins, testing, and what producers can do about them:
Is Creep Feeding an Answer to Your Pasture Woes? – Post – August 20, 2015
Nutritionist John McKinnon explains how creep feeding can reduce stress on cows during a drought and what to consider when making the decision to creep feed.
Optimum Body Condition = Maximum Production – Post and Topic Webpage – October 19, 2021
With short feed supplies it can be tempting to feed cows lower quality or less feed. Dropping body condition in cattle, especially those in later pregnancy in the fall and winter, can have negative effects on animal welfare, herd productivity, and long-term economics. This webpage includes information on how to accurately score body condition, the risks of low body condition scores, and a calculator producers can input numbers into to determine the economic effects of changing body condition scores in their herds.
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