Producers: Optimizing Livestock Operations for Spring 2023 Weather Forecast

Livestock producers need to take action now to take advantage of changing weather patterns, says David Fernandez, Ph.D., extension livestock expert and interim dean of graduate research and continuing education at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. says.

“The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently released its climate forecast for next spring,” he said. “The bad news is that NOAA does not expect the current Arkansas drought to end this winter. Although expected, spring could be warmer and wetter as we transition from a La Niña pattern to an El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) neutral pattern.”

Current forecast maps show a significant chance of warm weather across the state for most of next year. Rain is expected in most parts of the state from February through May, except for western Arkansas. The plateau is expected to be warmer and drier until late spring or early summer when precipitation returns to near normal.

Tips for Preparing for Spring 2023 Weather

Dr. Fernandez offers the following tips for livestock producers who want to plan ahead for next year’s forecast.

Sprinkle cool season annualsLivestock producers who have not yet sown cool season annuals for early spring grazing should ensure that pastures are still sufficiently dry before the expected wet weather arrives, especially in February or March. Therefore, you may want to sow by the end of January.

“Moderate temperatures and rainfall should give annuals a good start to late spring grazing,” he said. This may be important, as there is little to no rainfall.

Mud preparation. Wet weather means mud, and there’s little to avoid in a typical year in Arkansas. Growers should remember that the mud acts as a reservoir for diseases such as coccidiosis.

“Mud is especially a problem in high-traffic areas such as feeders, waterers, gates and barn doorways,” Dr. Fernandez said. “With this in mind, consider installing heavy-use area protection where mud is a problem. We provide guidance and financial assistance to farmers and ranchers who wish to establish zoning protection facilities.”

Make sure the water stays cleanCoccidiosis and other diseases are often spread through contaminated water. Both roundworm and fluke worms also tend to thrive in warm, moist conditions. Keep animals away from stagnant water and puddles. Pay particular attention to water runoff from manure-covered areas. Eggs and larvae of most parasites are excreted in manure. Flukes require water-loving snails as intermediate hosts before infecting livestock.

“When it comes to water, remember that cows don’t have to walk more than 800 feet to the water to stay on a few pounds of beef,” he said. We will provide financial support to farmers and ranchers who want a more even distribution of watering facilities across their farms and ranches.”

Be prepared for pests. Warm, wet weather also means insects. Wet weather tends to favor pasture pests such as army worms. True armyworms emerge in the spring and attack cool season forages such as fescue, ryegrass and small grains.

“A warmer, wetter spring also favors the army worms in the fall,” he said. “Usually, autumn armyworms make their first emergence in July, but warmer spring temperatures may push their first emergence to June. must be found by scouting pastures after sunset, or by descending under grass. “

Dr. Fernandez said warm, humid weather favors ticks, mosquitoes and biting flies, and “bug season” could start earlier than usual. Growers should eliminate standing water in tires, pots and buckets to reduce mosquito breeding grounds. They can use fly tags and other remedies to ward off stinging insects from livestock and need to monitor animal body condition and behavior to monitor both external and internal parasites. I have.

Dr. Fernandez said:

For more information on NOAA’s weather forecast for next year, visit https://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/.

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