As of September 2024, the Trans-Pecos region is experiencing significant drought conditions, with most areas categorized as severe, extreme, or exceptional. Drought, defined as a prolonged absence or marked deficiency of precipitation, has a profound impact not only on forage production but also on wildlife and producers’ pre-established plans. Frank Price of Frank & Sims Price Ranch highlights this issue, stating, “Healthy rangelands are not as severely affected by drought as those that are in degraded condition.”
Forage production in a given year is influenced by the conditions of previous years, including management practices and rainfall levels. The state of rangelands largely determines the intensity of drought effects. Droughts manifest in two primary forms: chronic, characterized by reduced rainfall throughout the season, and intense, involving extended periods of no rainfall. In the arid and semi-arid grasslands of the Trans-Pecos, grasses are already adapted to conditions with limited water availability, making them particularly vulnerable to intense droughts.
Understanding the impact of drought on rangelands requires a focus on grasses, especially those grazed by cattle. Overutilization of more than 50% of above-ground forage without adequate rest can halt or reduce root production, crucial for a plant’s ability to access water and nutrients during demanding conditions such as drought. Proper grazing management is essential to mitigate these effects.
Pointers for Grazing Management During Drought:
- Correct Stocking Rates: This involves determining the number of animal units in a specific area for a set time, which helps control the amount of forage consumed. Proper stocking rates allow for future regrowth and recovery of pastures.
- Control Grazing Distribution: Distribution helps avoid selectivity by cattle in areas with preferred vegetation. Rotational grazing systems, alternating water sources, and mineral supplementation can reduce overgrazing.
- Setting Checkpoints or Trigger Dates: Trigger dates are predetermined times to evaluate pasture and rainfall conditions, aiding in making decisions to partially or completely destock.
- Selecting Cattle Breeds: Choosing cattle breeds adapted to specific climates and terrains, such as heritage breeds like Criollo, can be beneficial. Heritage breeds often exhibit more favorable grazing behaviors, better heat tolerance, and can thrive in harsher environments like the Trans-Pecos.
Cattle grazing serves as a tool for rangeland and wildlife habitat management. In the challenging conditions of the Trans-Pecos, with its lower forage production, rugged terrain, and limited water and shade, selecting the right breed of cattle is crucial. Heritage breeds demonstrate resilience by traveling farther, utilizing a variety of forage resources, and adapting to rugged terrain, offering benefits for both ranchers and the health of the herd.
Image Courtesy of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
