Consider securing feed supplies now for dry conditions in 2025

Dry conditions have persisted across much of the state throughout the winter. While there is still time to get significant precipitation this spring, many locations will need above average moisture between now and grass turnout to get back to a long-term average. Even with good spring moisture, range and pastures would benefit from delayed turnout to allow stressed grasses to grow and develop root reserves before grazing.

Currently, hay, distillers grains, and corn are readily available across much of Nebraska at prices that are below the average of what they have been for the last three to four years. With cattle prices being quite strong, there is a desire by many cow-calf producers to hold on to the cowherd to capitalize on the predicted strong calf and feeder cattle prices that are expected to occur over the next few years.

With these circumstances in place, it is important now to review or develop a drought plan for the upcoming growing season for those who desire to retain the cowherd.

Key things to consider: