Early Spring Prep: Setting Up for Success in a Dry Year
By Jenita Derga March 18th, 2025
As South Dakota ranchers move into the early spring, one thing is clear—this winter has been dry. With limited fall and winter moisture, many are looking to the sky, hoping for a change in the pattern. While spring rains could help offset some of the dryness, the reality is that even with decent moisture in the coming months, pasture recovery may be slow, and forage production could be below average. If the spring remains dry, the challenges will only compound. That’s why now is the time to take action, planning for the best-case scenario while preparing for the worst.
What Could the Year Look Like?
If We Get Spring Moisture
Should South Dakota see good spring rains, pastures will begin greening up, and soil moisture will improve. However, given the lack of moisture leading up to this point, the soil profile may still be lacking deeper reserves, which could make forage growth more vulnerable to hot and dry summer conditions. Stocking rates will need to be monitored closely, as overgrazing this spring could stunt recovery later in the season, especially if pastures were used late into the fall in 2024.
If the Dry Pattern Continues
Without significant moisture in the next two months, ranchers will be faced with difficult decisions. Grass growth will be slow, and in some cases, pastures may not recover enough to support normal stocking levels. Water availability in stock ponds and wells could also be a concern. If drought conditions persist into summer, destocking could become necessary to prevent long-term damage to rangeland.
Two Steps to Take Today
1. Assess Forage and Stocking Plans Now
Waiting until pastures show stress to make stocking decisions is costly. Now is the time to evaluate forage conditions and precipitation history to create a flexible grazing plan that aligns with operational and ecological goals. Consider decreasing pasture size and using short-duration grazing early when grasses grow quickly to extend recovery times on resting pastures. Temporary fencing or combining herds can help, but start where it makes sense—perhaps splitting a ten-day pasture into two smaller rotations. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach; the goal is to maximize grazing efficiency while ensuring rest and recovery. If conditions improve, adjustments can be made, but if the dry pattern continues, a solid plan will ease the transition to lighter stocking or early culling.
2. Secure Grazing Resources Early
Securing additional pasture now can prevent tough decisions later. If spring rains don’t come, competition for lease grazing will increase, making it harder to find quality forage. Exploring options such as renting irrigated pasture, setting up grazing partnerships, utilizing forage crops if you have farmland available, or identifying underutilized rangeland can provide flexibility. Additionally, monitoring pasture conditions closely and adjusting stocking rates early will help stretch forage resources and avoid overgrazing. Planning ahead ensures that if conditions worsen, you have grazing options in place rather than scrambling when forage runs short.
The Value of a Grazing Plan
Having a well-thought-out grazing plan in place not only helps manage stocking rates but also provides a clear picture of how quickly pastures are being utilized. By tracking pasture rotation and forage availability, ranchers can see well in advance when they are on pace to run out of feed—before they actually do. This foresight allows for more strategic decision-making, whether that means marketing animals early while prices are strong, securing additional grazing land, or sourcing supplemental feed before demand drives prices higher. A proactive approach ensures that tough choices aren’t made in crisis mode, giving ranchers more control over their options as the season unfolds.
A Year for Adaptability
While no one can control the weather, ranchers who prepare now will be in a stronger position to handle whatever this growing season brings. Whether it’s a year of careful pasture management following spring rains or a season of tough drought decisions, early planning will pay off. The key to success in 2025 will be adaptability—being ready to pivot based on the conditions as they unfold.
If you would like help creating a management plan send an email to jenita@wildprairiesolutions.com with the subject Grazing Plan, and your contact info in the body to get a free consult TODAY!