Rangeland Drought Management for Texans: Stocking Rate and Grazing Management

When dealing with drought, some of a livestock producer's most important decisions concern stocking rates and grazing management.The effects of these decisions go far beyond survival of the current drought and can greatly influence recovery afterward.Because no two ranches are identical, managers need to make stocking rate and grazing management decisions that are compatible with the goals of the operation.For example, stock reduction may be a viable option for a commercial cow-calf producer but not for a purebred breeder.These decisions need to be made not only during, but also before and after a drought.