Favorable weather conditions definitely added its assistance for many producers. The lack of moisture in July and August meant many producers had to provide additional feed for livestock. This brought about a major concern for many livestock producers regarding the amount available forage. However, in many areas we have seen this change and presently there is more available grazing in predominately fescue fields than was available in the late summer months. This definitely stretched the feed supply for many producers.
Water still remains a problem for many producers.
However, the warmer than expected temperatures have assisted greatly by reducing the depth of ice on many ponds. This reduction in the depth of ice thickness so far has prevented many watering sources from freezing dry. A watering problem still remains for many producers. However each passing day with warmer temperatures reduces the number of days required to provide additional sources of water. Utilizing any possible source of quality feed to reduce the cost of production definitely needs consideration.