Dealing with Drought with Dr. Ed Rayburn

This week our special guest will be WVU Extension retired Agronomy Specialist Dr. Ed Rayburn to talk about "Drought Management for Livestock Farmers in West Virginia”The summer of 2024 has been exceptionally dry.  Pasture and hay production has been severely reduced by lack of rain fall and extreme heat.  Since 1900, West Virginia has experienced several noteworthy droughts, including 1904, 1930–31, 1941, 1954, 1966, and 1988. Many livestock farmers are hauling water as water sources have been severely affected by the lack of rainfall.  In addition, they are also feeding winter hay reserves as grass growth in pastures has slowed significantly.  Hay will be in short supply and is increasing in price.   Farmers should also take this opportunity to implement any needed management changes.  Managed grazing practices such as pasture rotation, sufficient recovery periods, and appropriate stocking rates make pastures naturally more tolerant of drought conditions.Dr. Rayburn will discuss strategies farmers can utilize to minimize the effects of drought on livestock production and profitability.