By Blake Jackson
While El Niño is typically associated with extreme weather events and agricultural challenges, it could also create favorable conditions for herd rebuilding in the U.S. livestock industry.
Dr. Derrell Peel with Oklahoma State University explains that El Niño could bring wetter conditions to the Southern Plains, improving forage availability and setting the stage for better grazing opportunities in the first half of next year. These improved conditions could encourage heifer retention and herd rebuilding efforts.
The upcoming Cattle on Feed Report, scheduled for release on November 17, 2023, will provide more insights into current cattle trends.
In the meantime, back-to-back drought seasons have tightened forage supplies for livestock producers. The Missouri Department of Agriculture's Market News Manager notes that their website, which helps connect producers with hay buyers and sellers, has seen increased traffic recently.
Sellers on the website are listed by region, forage type, bale type, number, and weight, allowing producers in areas with abundant forage to redistribute resources to regions facing shortages.
However, the University of Missouri Extension advises buyers to exercise caution when purchasing hay from new sources. They recommend testing and weighing hay before buying whenever possible and having lab tests conducted to check for nitrate levels, pests, leafiness, weeds, and seed heads, which may indicate an overmature crop.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-imaginegolf
Categories: Missouri, Livestock, Weather