Livestock producers continuing to deal with pasture, hay shortages in Barry County, Missouri
7/11/2018 4:49:10 PM
CATEGORIES:
Agriculture
Water Supply & Quality
AFFECTED AREAS:
Barry County, MO
Start Date: 8/1/2017
- End Date: 7/11/2018
To best understand the challenges/drought stress that cattlemen are experiencing currently - one has to go all the way back to Aug. 2017.
Unseasonable rains prevented timely planting of wheat. Drought in Sept. typically resulted in failed wheat crop and reduced yields of fescue fall growth, resulting in "hay season" beginning earlier in the fall.
A slow spring - with 2018 registering as one of the coolest Aprils on record - prolonged the "hay season" into 2018. Reserves are short.
May 2018 is the hottest on record. Fescue turned reproductive; quality is down, and quantity is frequently reported as 1/2 typical regardless of fertilization.
Reminder - Many producers donated hay to areas affected by the wildfires in Kansas. So, hay inventories are low.
From Barry County, Missouri, on July 5, 2018.
Via the Missouri Extension Drought Impact Reporter, the submitter of this report also noted the following impacts at this location:
Degree of dryness:
Moderately Dry: Plants may be brown due to dry conditions. Streams, reservoirs or well water levels may be low. Voluntary water use restrictions may be in place. There may be water shortages. Plants, crops or pastures may be stressed. Soil is dry.
Sectors impacted: Agriculture, Water.
Sources
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Livestock producers continuing to deal with pasture, hay shortages in Barry County, Missouri.
Wednesday, July 11, 2018
