BROOKINGS, S.D. – While parts of the western U.S. continue to face severe droughts, regions like eastern Kansas, Nebraska, and South Dakota are experiencing the opposite problem with recent heavy rainfall.
This abundance of moisture, although initially beneficial, brings significant challenges for beef cattle production, according to K-State beef cattle nutritionist Phillip Lancaster.
Lancaster explains that too much rain can lead to overly rapid pasture growth, causing plants to mature early and become less digestible. This diminishes the nutritional value of the forage during a crucial part of the grazing season. Consequently, despite the plentiful rain, cattle may not thrive as expected, facing nutritional deficiencies that could lead to thinner animals and smaller, weaker calves.
K-State veterinarian Brad White adds that the early maturation of grasses can also impact the cattle’s health, increasing incidents of foot rot. The condition worsens as bacteria in the soil exploit cuts caused by stemmy, mature grasses caught between the cattle’s toes.
Stagnant, flooded areas heighten this risk, turning minor wounds into gateways for infections.
To manage these issues, Lancaster suggests that producers may need to implement supplemental feeding strategies, especially if pastures mature early. Supplementing feed can help maintain cattle condition through late lactation and prepare for increased feeding needs in the fall.
Additionally, to protect pasture health, Lancaster recommends delaying cattle turnout until after floodwaters recede to prevent damage to the soft, waterlogged ground, which could lead to increased weed growth and reduced pasture productivity.
As the waters withdraw, allowing grass and plants to recover fully before grazing resumes is crucial to maintaining a healthy, productive pasture ecosystem.
