Forage conditions and availability are an important concern for livestock producers, whether they raise their own supplies or purchase their needs. This year's variable weather patterns have heightened some of those concerns.

Derrell Peel, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension livestock marketing specialist, said, “Waves of wet, dry, warm and cool weather have made it difficult to assess forage conditions across [Oklahoma], with a very cool and wet August just the latest turn in a rather unusual year.”

According to the Oklahoma Mesonet, every climate region of the state has received above-average rainfall the past 30 days, ranging from 139% of normal in the panhandle to 268% of normal in the southeast. However, the latest Drought Monitor showed 70% of Oklahoma with abnormally dry conditions or worse, including 26% in severe drought or worse, an announcement from Oklahoma State University said.

The latest U.S. Department of Agriculture "Crop Progress" report shows average pasture and range conditions across the country at 30% poor to very poor, up from 22% one year ago, Peel noted. Regional pasture conditions have higher percentages of poor to very poor conditions in the West, southern Plains, Corn Belt, Northeast and Southeast.

“Only the Great Plains region of Kansas, Colorado, Nebraska, South and North Dakota, Montana and Wyoming has a smaller percentage of poor and very poor pasture conditions this year,” Peel said. “The Drought Monitor shows that 20.02% of the United States is currently in severe drought or worse, D2 to D4. This compares to 5.33% at this time last year.”

Peel added that the hay situation is perhaps even more difficult to assess this year. The 2018 hay crop year started with total U.S. hay stocks on May 1 down 36% year over year and at the lowest level since 2013. Variable summer weather conditions have affected both the quantity and quality of hay production.

According to Oklahoma State, the latest Livestock Marketing Information Center projections suggest a slight overall increase in hay production of 0.5% year over year, with increased alfalfa hay production more than offsetting decreases in other hay production. However, the lower beginning stocks mean that overall hay supplies will be tighter, and higher prices are expected for all types of hay.

“Anecdotal indications are that forage and hay production is variable but probably lower for much of Oklahoma,” Peel said. “The start-and-stop nature of forage growth this season has contributed to nitrate toxicity in sorghum forages and johnsongrass, with several cattle deaths reported. Producers must continue to monitor and manage grazing and hay production to minimize quality and toxicity problems.”

Still, August moisture may provide an opportunity to boost forage supplies for fall and winter.

“Current conditions may facilitate some late-season hay production or, better yet for some producers, an opportunity to stockpile pasture for fall and winter,” Peel said. “Conditions are looking more favorable for wheat and other cool-season cereal forage production this fall.”