But here\u2019s the empowering news: you don\u2019t have to sit back and hope for the best. With a well-crafted summer forage plan, you can actually extend your grazing season, safeguard your herd\u2019s nutrition, and even prepare your pastures to return stronger next year. This sense of control can alleviate the anxiety that often accompanies the challenges of dryland ranching.<\/span><\/p>\n Today, we\u2019re delving into five resilient summer forage options that don\u2019t buckle under pressure\u2014even when the rain gauge stays dry. These varieties are tough, drought-tolerant, and proven to perform when the going gets rough. Their reliability can give you the confidence you need to navigate the toughest season of the year.<\/span><\/p>\n Plus, I\u2019ll share a few simple tips to help you get the most out of them, like when to plant, how to manage grazing pressure, and what to watch for to keep your stand healthy. Whether you\u2019re running a big outfit or just getting started with a few head, these ideas can help you ranch smarter through the toughest season of the year.<\/span><\/p>\n Let\u2019s jump in and discuss how you can set your place up for a better summer\u2014no rain dance required.<\/span><\/p>\n When the thermometer starts hitting triple digits, and the rain feels more like a rumor than reality, your forage choices matter more than ever.<\/span><\/p>\n Choosing drought-tolerant plants means:<\/span><\/p>\n In short, the proper forage keeps your ranch running when the weather won\u2019t cooperate.<\/span><\/p>\n When you\u2019re dealing with dryland ranching, picking the proper forage can make all the difference between a tough summer and a successful one. Some forages are built to handle the heat and drought better than others, giving you more grazing days and healthier livestock. To help you out, we\u2019re breaking down five solid forage options that tend to perform well when the rain is scarce. We\u2019ll also go over a few pros and cons for each so you can find the best fit for your operation and your goals. Let\u2019s dive in and see which ones might work best for your place!<\/span><\/p>\n Bermudagrass is one of the go-to warm-season perennials for a reason. It\u2019s tough, thrives in the heat, and can withstand a decent amount of grazing pressure if you manage it well.<\/span><\/p>\n Popular varieties<\/span><\/strong>:<\/span><\/p>\n \ud83d\udd17 <\/span>Helpful resource: Noble Research Institute \u2013 Bermudagrass Management<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n If you need a fast-growing forage option after a summer rain event, sudangrass and sorghum-sudangrass hybrids can be lifesavers.<\/span><\/p>\n Pro Tip<\/span><\/strong>: Wait until plants are at least 18\u201324 inches tall before grazing to reduce risk.<\/span><\/p>\n Teff grass is gaining ground across the southern U.S. because of its flexibility and drought tolerance.<\/span><\/p>\n If you\u2019re looking for a summer hay option that doesn\u2019t require a ton of water, teff is worth considering.<\/span><\/p>\n Cowpeas aren\u2019t just for the dinner table \u2014 they\u2019re a fantastic forage crop, especially when mixed with grasses.<\/span><\/p>\n Fun option<\/span><\/strong>: Plant cowpeas with sudangrass for a balanced, nutritious summer pasture mix!<\/span><\/p>\n Pearl millet is another excellent option for hot, dry summers. It also has the bonus of <\/span>no prussic acid risk<\/span><\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n This forage is a great \u201cplay it safe\u201d choice if you have variable rainfall and can\u2019t predict how tall your forage will get.<\/span><\/p>\n Every ranch is different, but here are a few questions to guide your forage decision:<\/span><\/p>\n It\u2019s wise to have a flexible plan \u2014 perhaps planting a quick annual after a rain and working on a long-term bermudagrass stand in a different pasture. This adaptability can make you feel more resourceful and less at the mercy of unpredictable weather.<\/span><\/p>\n Planting in a dry climate can feel a lot like rolling the dice \u2014 sometimes you hit it just right, and sometimes Mother Nature has other plans. But the good news is, you\u2019re not <\/span>completely<\/span> at her mercy. With a One of the best ways to give your summer forage a strong start is by timing your planting right before a rain. Even a small shower \u2014 as little as half an inch \u2014 can make a big difference by helping seeds settle in and start growing fast. Every drop counts in dry climates, so using that natural moisture to your advantage can boost your chances of a good stand. It\u2019s a simple move but can set the stage for a much better grazing season. Keep an eye on the forecast, and be ready to move when the clouds start rolling in!<\/span><\/p>\n Good seed-to-soil contact is key if you want your forage to take off \u2014 especially when you\u2019re working with small seeds like teff or cowpeas. These tiny seeds need to be tucked in just right to have a real shot at germinating and growing strong. Taking the time to prep a firm, weed-free seedbed sets the stage for success and saves you many headaches later on. Weeds can steal moisture and nutrients fast, and that\u2019s the last thing you want in a dry climate. A little extra effort up front can pay off big once your pasture starts coming in.<\/span><\/p>\n When drought hits, it\u2019s tempting to let the herd graze things down to the dirt \u2014 but that can cause more harm than good. Leaving a decent amount of stubble behind helps protect the plant\u2019s root systems and gives your pasture a much better chance to bounce back when the rains finally come. Imagine leaving some gas in the tank; you\u2019re stuck if you take it all. A little patience now can mean a faster, healthier recovery later. Your soil (and your livestock) will thank you for it.<\/span><\/p>\n A little nitrogen shot can boost your summer forage, helping young plants take off faster. But remember, fertilizer isn\u2019t a magic cure for drought \u2014 if the ground\u2019s dry as a bone, that nitrogen isn\u2019t going to do much good. Only fertilize when there\u2019s enough moisture in the soil for the plants to actually use it. Otherwise, you\u2019re just wasting money and effort. Timing it right can make all the difference in getting the most bang for your buck.<\/span><\/p>\n Picking the <\/span>right<\/span> summer forage isn\u2019t just about throwing something green out in the field and hoping for the best \u2014 it\u2019s about setting up your whole operation for long-term success. In a dry climate, you need plants that can handle the heat, survive on less water, and still give your livestock the nutrition they need. Choosing the <\/span>right<\/span> forage now helps protect your soil, stretch your grazing season, and even cut down on feed costs over time. It\u2019s a small decision today that can make a big difference for years down the road. Let\u2019s dive into some of the best options to get you there.<\/span><\/p>\n A few bags of the right seed planted at the right time can mean:<\/span><\/p>\n \ud83d\udc49 Even small wins during a dry summer can snowball into <\/span>big<\/span> improvements by fall.<\/span><\/p>\n If you\u2019re planning your summer pasture strategy, start thinking now about what you can plant <\/span>this month<\/span><\/strong> \u2014 and keep a few backup plans ready in case Mother Nature throws you a curveball.<\/span><\/p>\n Related Post<\/span><\/strong> \u2794 Secrets to actually building a healthy, productive pasture<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Need more help planning for summer drought?<\/span><\/strong>![\"How](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.westtexaslivestockgrowers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/SummerForages.jpeg?resize=300%2C200&ssl=1\")
When you ranch in a dry climate like West Texas, keeping your pastures green and your herd fed through the summer can feel like a constant uphill battle. The sun\u2019s blazing, the rain clouds seem to forget you exist, and the grass you do have is stressed and struggling. And stressed forage leads to stressed, underperforming livestock \u2014 which is the last thing any rancher needs.<\/span><\/p>\nWhy Choosing the Right Summer Forage Matters<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Top Summer Forages for Dry Climates<\/span><\/h2>\n
\ud83c\udf3f 1. Bermudagrass<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n
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\ud83c\udf3f 2. Sudangrass and Sorghum-Sudangrass Hybrids<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n
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\ud83c\udf3f 3. Teff Grass<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n
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\ud83c\udf3f 4. Cowpeas<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n
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\ud83c\udf3f 5. Forage Millet (Pearl Millet)<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n
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How to Choose the Best Option for Your Operation<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Planting Tips for Dry Climates<\/span><\/h2>\n
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few smart moves, like picking the <\/span>right<\/span> forage, timing your planting just right, and ensuring your soil is in good shape, you can stack the odds more in your favor. It\u2019s all about working smarter, not harder, and setting your pastures up to survive and thrive, even when the weather doesn\u2019t cooperate. Let\u2019s take a look at some simple ways to tilt the odds your way.<\/span><\/p>\n1. Time Your Planting with Rain Chances<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
2. Prepare the Seedbed<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
3. Manage Grazing Carefully<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
4. Fertilize Smart<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Final Thoughts<\/span><\/h2>\n
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