Though some current moisture has diminished drought in Oklahoma, over 80 % of the state stays in some stage of drought. Drought has been faraway from a number of counties in southeast Oklahoma. Cattle producers face appreciable challenges to take care of herds by way of winter.
Restricted forage provides in Oklahoma developed over the past yr. Might 1, 2022 hay shares have been down practically 48 % from the earlier yr. Different hay manufacturing was down 21 % in 2022. Different hay averages practically 88 % of whole hay manufacturing in Oklahoma and is the first hay used for beef cows. Whole hay manufacturing in Oklahoma was additionally down 21 % yr over yr in 2022. The 2022 whole hay provide in Oklahoma was down simply over 26 % in comparison with the earlier yr, the bottom since 2012.
The ultimate crop progress report for the season in late October 2022 confirmed 80 % of Oklahoma pasture and ranges in poor to very situation. This means that many producers didn’t carry a lot standing dry forage into the winter. December 1 Oklahoma hay shares have been down 30 % yr over yr to the bottom stage since 2012. Unusually chilly climate in December little doubt took an enormous chunk out of accessible hay provides for a lot of producers. Some producers are scrambling for added hay with restricted success and discovering it very costly. Different hay costs in Oklahoma have been reported at $141/ton in December, up 40 % yr over yr.
Livestock water in ponds could be very low in a lot of the state. For a lot of producers, water availability could be the most limiting issue for the rest of the winter. In most elements of the state, current rains haven’t replenished pond ranges in any respect. Water high quality is deteriorating as pond ranges drop and could also be a hazard to animals (see following article).
Though Oklahoma cattle inventories dropped sharply in 2022, restricted forage and water provides might imply further liquidation this winter. Oklahoma’s whole cattle stock decreased by 11.5 % in 2022, together with a 6.6 % decline within the beef cow herd and an 18.5 % lower in estimated feeder provides within the state on January 1, 2023. Herd liquidation seems to be persevering with up to now this yr. The Oklahoma public sale quantity of cull cows and bulls is up 46 % yr over yr within the first seven weeks of the yr.
