Forage supply must meet or exceed forage demand or the forage base may eventually contribute to the demise of the operation. Reduction in stocking rates during severe drought pays big dividends in terms of less damage to desirable forage plants, rapid recovery of the range following drought, reduced supplemental feeding costs, and reduced losses to toxic plants, just to name a few. Determining the supply of forage available for livestock consumption could be one of the toughest tasks for ranchers. However, for plants to survive drought conditions, the amount of forage left ungrazed becomes as important as the amount produced. Future forage production depends on healthy plants that can survive drought and recover quickly when favorable conditions exist.
Rainfall is less effective when plant and litter cover on the soil surface is reduced.
Leaving stock in a pasture too long when forage supply is inadequate may permanently reduce carrying capacity for both livestock and wildlife. Increased rates of erosion removing soil needed for plant production. Decreased organic matter in the soil. Eventual depletion of plant root mass reducing the plants ability to recover following grazing or extreme environmental conditions. Invasion of undesirable plant species.