The winter of 2020-2021 has been extremely dry, warm and windy.
As of April 12, all of North Dakota was in drought, with approximately 70% of the state in extreme drought (D3 on a scale of D0 to D4). This condition has created a “perfect storm,” with large amounts of dry vegetation, low humidity, dry soils and wind fueling a high-risk environment for wildfires.
So, what are the impacts of fire on the plant community and forage production, soil erosion and animal health?
“Let’s start with the plant community,” says Kevin Sedivec, North Dakota State University Extension rangeland management specialist and director of NDSU’s Central Grasslands Research Extension Center. “Because the wildfires to date have been classified as dormant-season fires (prior to the growing season), there should be no impact on the plant community in terms of species change on rangelands, plant density on grass hay stands or forage production of new growth.”
Reproductive Management of Cow Herd During Drought is Vital
Janna Block, Lisa Pederson and Karl Hoppe
The most recent U.S. Drought Monitor indicated that 100% of North Dakota is in drought status, with 85% of the state in at least a severe drought category and 47% in an extreme drought category.
While the state is familiar with drought, the last time that the extreme drought category was initiated this early in the growing season was in 2008. Starting to develop or modify management plans in anticipation of the many challenges ahead is critical for producers.
With breeding season approaching, producers must think about how to manage during a drought to keep the most productive and valuable cows in the herd.
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Reproductive management of cow herd during drought is vital
Starting to develop or modify management plans in anticipation of the many challenges ahead is critical for producers. 3:39 pm, Apr. 7, 2021 ×
Producers need to think about how to manage during a drought to keep the most productive and valuable cows in the herd. NDSU photo
The most recent U.S. Drought Monitor indicated that 100% of North Dakota is in drought status, with 85% of the state in at least a severe drought category and 47% in an extreme drought category.
While the state is familiar with drought, the last time that the extreme drought category was initiated this early in the growing season was in 2008. Starting to develop or modify management plans in anticipation of the many challenges ahead is critical for producers.
Sedivec explained that the area has only received 16% of normal precipitation since September.
“I’ve never seen that before and I’ve been doing this for 32 years,” he said. “In these dry conditions, looking at the numbers, we are at about 5% of normal subsoil moisture. That is statewide. There are other areas with as low as 2% normal subsoil moisture.”
“If I was a farmer, in terms of cropland, I would be concerned about getting a crop raised this year,” Sedivec warned. “At least our grasses are deep-rooted, they will still find some water. But it’s not a good scenario.”