Don't overlook by-product feeds as possible supplements. Calculate the cost per pound of protein or per unit of energy and compare to soybean meal, corn or other feeds you are considering as supplements. If the price is right and you can handle the product, there may be some good buys. Culling cows is another forage-saving strategy. Pregnancy checking and early weaning calves from open cows can allow you to sell these cows before more cull cows hit the market and the price drops.
Heifers can be especially difficult to manage during drought.
They require much higher quality feed than older cows and will have more trouble rebreeding if they are thin. Consider selling bred heifers this year instead of culled, open heifers next year. Look at crops as a possible feed source, especially drought or hail-damaged crops. Oats and corn are an excellent forage for cattle. Chopping and haying can be done, but these crops can also be successfully grazed.