– Victor Shelton, Retired NRCS Agronomist/Grazing Specialist (Please send comments or questions to grazingbites@gmail.com)

A lone big bluestem plant outstanding in the field – imagine a whole field.
I really can’t complain about the temperatures so far this year even though I know the next few days are expected to be a bit warmer. While some crops would probably prefer slightly warmer conditions, the slightly milder temperatures are better for forage crops under droughty conditions. I’m thankful things are not worse than they are. Thankfully, as I finish writing this at the end of June, several areas are getting needed rain!
I’ve been asked how I would compare this year to past droughts or droughty periods. I really don’t have a good comparison for this year. I think we are seeing conditions unlike any that I’ve ever seen. The droughts of 1988 and 2012 are always good reference points for me. For the most part, both started out somewhat normal and then became drier and drier due to the lack of sufficient rain for long periods of time. Both were also aggravated by high temperatures that just added fuel to the fire.
This year started out a little earlier than normal with somewhat wet conditions. Early lush green growth was struck not once, but with multiple Continue reading