28/09/2026
Facing a drought is one of the toughest challenges for any livestock farmer. When pastures dry up, the real struggle begins—bringing malnutrition, disease, and the risk of heavy losses like poor growth, dropped production, abortions, or downer cows.
Before you make a sudden move to sell off your herd, take a breath and run the numbers. Smart drought management is all about cost-efficiency and long-term survival.
✅Ask yourself these critical questions before culling:
✅How many animals am I selling, and what will they actually bring in?
✅What is the total cost to feed and maintain the remaining herd?
✅How long is this dry spell projected to last?
✅After the drought breaks, will I have enough capital left to buy replacements?
✅Will replacement stock cost more than what I sold my original animals for?
✅Can my remaining herd generate enough profit to offset these losses?
Watch out for Downer Cows!
Wilted grass lacks essential minerals like phosphorus and calcium. Unsupplemented cattle quickly weaken. If caught early (around a body condition score of 3), an IV treatment of calcium and phosphorus can often pull them through.
Also, beware of Botulism (Clostridium botulinum). Nutrient-deficient cattle will chew on bones and debris, exposing them to deadly bacterial toxins. Keep an eye out for Anthrax, Pasteurellosis, and Mange during these dry periods as well.
The golden rule of drought management: Only keep the number of animals you can genuinely afford to sustain.
When in doubt, don't guess—reach out to your local veterinarian or animal health agent for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
