LINCOLN, Neb. (RFD News) — Drought has been an issue for both crop and livestock operations this year, but some producers could see relief this fall.
Makens Weather atmospheric scientist Matt Makens said they are closely watching for a Super El Niño, which could bring more moisture to farms and ranches across the southern U.S.
“The frequency of water will pick up through the fall, carry over in winter and spring, the totals should be fairly decent. There are some areas where the probability, like if you lay your confidence over that wet map, there’s going to be some areas where it’s lower confidence. That’d be western Oklahoma. The Panhandle of Texas. It’s an outlook that is very favored for the beef industry, for forage, for row crops, but maybe not necessarily cotton because that goes after. We’re going to recharge the soil, so we’ve got a better soil outlook, moisture outlook as we go through winter, spring, and early next summer.”
Makens said while many areas could see drought relief this year, it is still unclear exactly where that moisture will fall.
Drought has also left many cattle producers short on pasture and hay supplies. University of Nebraska researcher Aaron Berger said drought-stressed corn could provide an alternative.
“We really just haven’t grown very much grass, and so, a lot of folks are just trying to figure out ‘What do we do for feed as we finish the summer and go into the fall or winter?’ So, feed is going to be very short, and I think as folks are trying to think through what are my options, this is where I think either some drought-stressed corn or even some irrigated corn might provide a feed option. We’re not dealing with normal circumstances right now. We got to think about things outside the box and consider all options that I think you wouldn’t otherwise think about because of where we’re at with prices and the way things are.”
Researchers said producers should consider herbicide restrictions, crop insurance rules and feeding logistics before making a switch.
