WASHINGTON — With much of the United States suffering through drought conditions in 2021, sheep producers are scrambling to develop a plan to deal with the lack of quality grasses and feed. And that’s why the ASI Research Update Podcast turned to Oklahoma State University’s JC Hobbs to provide insight on dealing with Mother Nature during these difficult times.
“When we hear the term ‘drought’ that might not mean the same thing to everybody,” said podcast host Jake Thorne of Texas A&M AgriLife.
Hobbs said drought can be defined in two ways when it comes to livestock production: shortage of pasture due to dry conditions or shortage of water. Drought can affect livestock productions in both the short and long term, including through increased operating costs (purchasing additional feed, hauling water, renting additional pasture) as well as through decreased revenues (lower weight gains, reduced conception, wool production, milk production).
“When it comes to experiencing drought or other problems, the advice of others – experts in the field – is a great place to start,” Hobbs said. “Those resources are there, so utilize them.”
–American Sheep Industry Association
For more articles concerning the sheep industry, click here.
RECOMMENDED ARTICLES
BOSTON — With the risk of wildland fires increasing due to below average precipitation across the state, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Beth Card today declared that the Cape Cod Region will join the Connecticut River Valley, Southeast, Northeast, and Central Regions as a Level 3-Critical Drought. Additionally, the Islands and Western Regions will […]
BOSTON — With the majority of the state currently experiencing elevated temperatures and forecasts predicting little to no meaningful precipitation, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Beth Card today declared a Level 3-Critical Drought in the Northeast and Central Regions of the state. The Southeast, and Connecticut River Valley Regions will remain at a Level 2-Significant Drought, and the […]
DENVER — As it turns out, that rollercoaster ride American wool and sheep producers have been on the past couple of years was actually a Pacific Ocean wave that carried the American Sheep Industry Association into San Diego on Jan. 19-22 for its 157th Annual Convention: Where There’s A Will, There’s A Wave. The convention theme […]
