Extreme Heat and Drought
Drought conditions have cracked the ground.
There are several phrases that a grassfed rancher does not want to hear. Two main ones are extreme heat and drought. We have just about endured the hottest and driest June and July that I can remember. It was really hot and dry in May, too. Almost everyday these past two months temperatures have soared over 100 degrees. The heat indexes are even higher. This coupled with little precipitation is a two-edged sword.
So what does this mean for Cross Creek Cattle Company and their grassfed beef? First and foremost, we pray. We do not pray for rain, though. I wrote an article called “Pray More Effectively” which explains why we pray specifically for fat cows and green grass.
We work very hard to ensure proper pasture rotation. This is extremely important. The roots of grass are about as long as the visible blades. So if your grass is 12″ high, its roots reach about a foot in the ground. Shallow roots are going to dry up in hot and dry conditions. The grass will not be able to rebound as quickly when we get some rain. Cattle can trample the short blades of grass and really tear up your pasture whereas the longer blades of grass are more resilient. We do not allow the cattle to eat the grass down below 6″. They are constantly being moved from one pasture to another. We do this with temporary electric fencing and permanent barbed wire fencing.
A cow in the mineral feeder while others chew their cud in the shade.
We ensure that our cattle have supplemental minerals to help them maintain their health and body conditions. At Cross Creek Cattle Company we use a mixture of kelp meal and salt. We add some diatomaceous earth to act as a natural wormer. This mixture is all-natural and allowed by the government for use on certified organic ranches. Even though we have not sought organic certification, we use these products to ensure our beef is all-natural. This mixture is self-limiting, meaning that the cattle take only what their body needs. They cannot overdo the supplements.
We are surrounded by traditional ranchers. Ones that feed out their cattle with grain. Ones that do not adhere to strict pasture rotation. Unfortunately, they are already feeding hay and putting out protein tubs. These are measures usually employed during the winter. It is also expensive. Because their pastures are burnt and brown, they must rely on these products to get their cattle through the summer.
Photograph taken July 22nd.
With proper management, we have made it through June and July with fat cows and green grass. We are in continual prayer as we know the “dog days of summer” are just around the corner. Our herd is still looking good. They are thriving when some cattle on area ranches are only surviving. Regardless of weather, we are committed to raising grassfed beef. We take our commitment seriously and are proactive in maintaining the health benefits of all-natural grassfed beef. It is antibiotic-free, hormone-free, grain-free, and steroid-free. Our cattle thrive on green grass, sunshine, and fresh air even during time of extreme heat and drought.
If you are interested in placing an order for our beef, go here. Our website has information on the health benefits of grassfed beef as well as other relevant material. Go green! Go grassfed!
Tags: drought, extreme heat, grass management, Grassfed Beef, pasture rotation, supplements
