In drought years, grass that once sustained a herd through the grazing season stops growing early, reducing overall biomass production, and water resources begin to tighten. For livestock producers, this period becomes a balancing act between meeting immediate cattle needs and protecting the long-term productivity of the land.

For producers of all commodities across Idaho, water has been a topic of conversation for months and for good reason. As the mild winter turned to an early, semi-wet spring and now to a forecast extra-dry summer, the conversations continue.

Drought conditions have been widespread in the U.S. this year, creating challenges for ranchers. Grazing management decisions directly influence the ability of rangelands and pastures to recover from drought and can increase a ranch's drought resilience.

Take a closer look at the tools that, combined with thorough preparation, can help reduce the impacts of drought.

Drought has consumed much of the nation. Winds replaced winter. Heat replaced cold. And nothing replaced the snow or rain.

A region that can grow almost everything still comes up short when it matters most – fall.

“It was the warmest winter on record since 1895,” said Erin Whorton, a hydrologist and water supply specialist with the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service during the Idaho Water Users Association summer meeting in June.