When the forage base is taken below a certain residue level, ability to recover is severely limited. More rainfall is needed to sustain forage regrowth in overgrazed pastures when compared to those with adequate standing reserves. When limited amounts of rain are received and no leaf is available to absorb sunlight there will be inefficient utilization of the precipitation. By the time roots can absorb enough moisture to initiate leaf growth there is insufficient moisture left to sustain leaf and root growth. Successful grazing managers always leave sufficient root and leaf tissue for plants to respond to rainfall.
Local markets decline in drought and during periods of high feed prices.
Delayed destocking inevitably leads to lower cattle income. Market cattle early to avoid the inevitable decline in market value. A commercial ranch cannot afford to purchase hay to survive drought or overstocking. Even short term management practices such as hay feeding are expensive and are seldom the best alternative. Producers should not cull cattle and use that income to buy feed or forage for the remaining cows.