Grazing Land Management

by Dwayne Rice, State Rangeland Management
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
Salina, Kansas

Late summer and early fall rains have revitalized some grazing lands in areas of central and western Kansas. Those rangelands may have been damaged more by heavy grazing during the latter part of the growing season before frost than from the lack of rain and grazing earlier in the growing season. It's the last third of the growing season before frost when native grasses store energy for next year’s green-up and growth. A short-term decision of trying to get through the season by overgrazing a pasture could have long-term production consequences. It could take some pastures over 10 years to recover.

Based on historical dendroclimatological (tree ring) data, at least two more years of below average rainfall can be expected. The data suggests a 7-10 year cycle of drier than average conditions followed by a 7-10 year cycle of wetter than average conditions. The drought in south central Kansas actually started in 1988. Dendroclomatological records also show very dry years around 1800, 1850, 1900, 1950, and now in 2002.

Ranchers and farmers should be proactive rather than reactive to changing climatic conditions. A good place to begin is with a grazing management plan that includes drought management planning.  Those producers who implemented their drought management plans this year recognized the severity of the dry weather back in February and took steps to match cattle numbers to expected feed supplies before the situation created a crisis.  These producers were able to rest their rangelands during the most critical time during the growing season and will be ready to take advantage of the winter and spring precipitation.

For help in developing an individual grazing management plan, please contact your local Natural Resources Conservation Service office or conservation district office located at your local county USDA Service Center.

For more information about NRCS programs, visit the Kansas NRCS web site at www.ks.nrcs.usda.gov.

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Grazing Land Management (DOC; 24 KB)

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Last Modified: 09/08/2008