4 tips to minimize weather effects on pasture

INDIANAPOLIS — Between areas of drought and heavy rainfall, weather conditions have caused poor pasture conditions for grazing season.

“The effects of extreme drought can linger for many years,” said Will Hatler, field scientist for Corteva Agriscience. “I always encourage producers to regularly scout their fields and identify areas that have been especially stressed by drought.”

“On the other hand, when pastures receive excess moisture, they can become muddy from hoof traffic, and those openings allow weeds to encroach. While pasture injury is largely unavoidable during wet conditions, rotational grazing and protecting high-traffic areas can help.”

In areas that experienced drought, Hatler recommends taking the following steps to aid in recovery when moisture returns:

1. Scout early and often. Understand what’s changing.

2. Defer grazing to allow as much recovery time as possible.

3. Control weeds early to help give grasses a head start.

4. Be patient. True recovery can take several years.