Areas of the Southeast categorized by the U.S. Drought Monitor as “unusually dry” or “moderate drought” have decreased since early March. Forecasts from the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center suggest the Southeast will be warmer than normal and precipitation will be above normal for the May - July period. But weather for hay making has been ideal recently and rapid growth of cool season perennial plants will rapidly draw down soil moisture.
Perhaps the first step in being prepared for a drought is to avoid being surprised. Periods without rain, sometimes referred to as “flash droughts” are not unusual. Prolonged periods of below normal precipitation may never be more than a few months away - they should be expected.
Not being surprised requires an objective assessment of the operation’s carrying capacity and livestock numbers. Excessive animal numbers always lead to overgrazing, which is exceedingly detrimental during drought. Having a de-stocking plan in place should drought become severe may remove emotion from the necessary decision-making process.
A pattern of fewer rainfall events with greater intensity places a premium on maintaining soil conditions which enhance infiltration, reduce runoff and shade the soil surface to limit evaporation. In our region that means a healthy stand of perennial grasses, both cool- and warm-season with diversity provided by broadleaved legumes and forbs.
Extended dry conditions may require feed provided by alternatives, either planted annuals or harvested hay. Most operations depend on hay supplies for winter feed. Planting warm-season annuals may be the best alternative during the summer.
“Standard” summer annuals planted for relief during dry conditions include sorghum-sudangrass hybrids, sudangrass and pearl millet. Sorghum materials may be best suited for finer textured, clayey soils while pearl millet is best adapted to lighter textured sandier soils. Southeast AgriSeeds maintains a supply of several varieties of each species. Many include desirable brown-midrib (low lignin) and dwarf (more leaf, less stem) traits which enhance nutritional value.
Less conventional warm-season annuals might include crabgrass, or one of several divers mixtures which include both grass and broadleaved species. If planting equipment is stored after spring planting, make certain it is in good repair. Being able to respond to a timely rain with immediate planting may make the difference in establishing a stand or not.