Strategies for managing cattle through drought-- BCRC webinar recap

The Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) premiered its 2023-24 webinar series with the live airing of “Drought: More Than a Summer Challenge.” Dr. John Campbell, a leading expert in beef cattle production medicine from the University of Saskatchewan, and Alberta beef producer Jesse Williams of Whiskey Creek Ranch shared their perspectives on managing a cow herd through drought and beyond.

Dr. Campbell points out that 72% of Canada is currently classed as abnormally dry. “We have very little control over how much rainfall we get,” says Campbell. “We are often placed in some pretty tough situations and have to make some pretty tough decisions.”

In the first half of the hour-long webinar, Campbell addresses six cattle health problems commonly associated with drought, how to best manage those problems and how to prevent them

Six Cattle Health Problems Associated with Drought

1. Vitamin A deficiency

2. Vitamin E deficiency

3. Nitrate toxicity

4. Copper deficiency

5. Winter feed issues (e.g. impactions)

6. Loss in body condition and the reproductive effects

On her ranch in the Special Areas of Alberta, Jesse Williams is no stranger to the adversities presented by abnormally dry conditions. “Desperation breeds innovation,” she says.

Williams begins the second half of the webinar describing her beef operation’s methods of culling. “If you remove the underperformers, you are going to improve your herd genetics and be in a more profitable stance to build a higher performing herd when the drought does break.”

Find her formula for drought solutions and more drought management resources on BeefResearch.ca.