Most of Missouri is experiencing drought conditions, which have extended almost a full year, putting enormous pressure on cattle producers. University of Missouri Extension specialists have five top action items for producers to do now:

1. Cull herd. Candidates include open females, cattle with health issues and poor dispositions and females bred outside of preferred calving windows. Wean calves early to give flexibility; sell if water and feed are too expensive for pound of gain.

2. Find alternative feeds. Monitor costs of byproduct feed and compare costs to purchased hay and other feed. Energy typically is more limiting than protein.

3. Check toxicity of alternative feedstuffs. Using drought-stunted/stressed crops and summer annual forages, as well as grazing areas and purchased hay of marginal quality, can expose cattle to toxic forages. Know your risks and consult with your veterinarian.

4. Prepare for the fall. Develop your fall forage plan now. Inventory pastures and consider options for the fall based on their condition; overseed winter annuals, apply nitrogen fertilizer, initiate pasture renovation. Be ready to start in August. For more information, consider attending a Missouri Grazing School, taught by MU Extension and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.

5. Stretch current feed supplies. Improve grazing management and reduce hay waste. Sort cows by those that are nursing and not nursing, then feed to their nutrient requirements.

For more information, contact your local MU Extension forage and livestock specialists.