Supplementing pastures may be necessary to keep animals from overgrazing. Livestock will usually prefer pasture so will keep regrazing and weakening pastures rather than accepting the supplemental feed if they still have access. During our last major drought, producers found that they fed less supplemental feed and had better gains if they supplemented early before livestock condition was affected and before pastures were weakened. Neither have to be adversely affected, but you will have to take control of the situation. Information on supplementation can be supplied by your local Livestock Advisors.
Balanced rations are the most efficient method of feeding.
Pastures can be extended by bringing other crops into the rotation. Second cut hay is often used to lengthen the rest period. Other crops such as cereals, sorghums, kale, annual ryegrass or others can also be grazed during summer slumps to give an extended break to the main pastures. Half of the forage is produced in the first 60 days of the season with the other half occurring throughout the rest of the season. This is concerning this year as the drought did occur early.