Drought is a natural phenomenon on Colorado's rangeland and occurs approximately once every five years. Livestock managers should formulate a plan that can be implemented quickly when drought occurs. Stocking rates generally need to be reduced during drought to allow satisfactory animal performance and prevent damage to range plants. Most Colorado rangelands have arid or semi-arid climates.
Ranchers can expect below average rainfall at least half of the time.
The Southeastern Colorado Research Center west of Springfield reported below normal precipitation from 1957 to 1985. During four years, the total precipitation was less than 75 percent of normal. Colorado ranchers and range managers should expect a drought at least once every five years and develop a drought plan. Drought is defined as a prolonged period of several months or more of below average soil moisture. A severe drought is when precipitation is more than 25 percent below normal.