Arkansas suffered through a hotter, drier summer than usual this year, but according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) preparations should be made for warmer, drier conditions this winter, and this will affect livestock producers, said David Fernandez, Cooperative Extension Program livestock specialist at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.
Climate conditions in the northeastern and eastern regions of the state should have near average rainfall and slightly warmer temperatures this winter. The southwestern and western portions of the state can expect both warmer and drier conditions through the winter.
Predicting the weather is always dicey, but it is wise to heed a warning rather than be caught unprepared, Fernandez said.
Producers should plan their forage and winter feed usage accordingly. For example, those in the northeastern region of the state may be able to begin grazing early spring forages a little earlier in the year, while producers in southwestern Arkansas may not see enough precipitation to get a good growth of early season pastures even though temperatures may be warm enough to support early growth.
Those producers would be wise to plan ahead for their feed needs in case they do not get enough precipitation.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
There is a bright spot in the forecast for some. The major problem is due to a stronger La Nina pattern in the Pacific Ocean, which typically brings warmer, drier conditions to the southern half of the United States. However, there is a lesser known Arctic Oscillation that may bring periods of colder weather, possibly with precipitation. The Arctic Oscillation is much less predictable, but it may bring relief to some Arkansas producers living in drier regions of the state.
Producers can act now by making culling decisions they have put off. Eliminating less productive animals from the herd reduces feed needs at the same time it increases the efficiency of the rest of the herd. Take advantage of slack time in the winter to seek out alternative sources of feed such as broken rice, brewers or distillers’ grains and other byproduct feeds.
Offer to provide brush management services to area landowners. Goats do an excellent job cleaning up brush in hard to reach areas. Cows, sheep or goats can keep grassy properties in check. Not only will you receive an additional income from the service, but also your livestock will have access to additional forage and browse.
Talk to local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service personnel to find out how to improve the water retention capacity of your land and conserve as much water as possible for the upcoming year. Their offices can be found at www.nrcs.usda.gov.
Weather map information available at http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2011/20111020_winteroutlook.html.
Carol Sanders is a writer/editor at the UAPB School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences.