Drought Conditions Make Grazing Wheat a Better Option

By Scout Nelson

The Nebraska Panhandle region continues to face drought conditions, with many areas receiving minimal rainfall in April. The limited growth of cool-season grasses suggests that delaying the turn-out of cattle could benefit pastures, allowing existing plants to grow and make full use of any precipitation.

By leaving last year’s grass growth and new grass to provide ground cover, the land can better capture and retain any rain that does fall.

For integrated crop and cattle producers, the combination of low wheat prices, high cattle prices, and the value of grazing may present a more profitable option. The current market value of beef-quality hay ranges from $80 to $120 per ton, which translates to $1.50 to $2.50 per cow-calf pair per day just for hay.

In May and early June, if some moisture is present, an acre of wheat can provide 30-45 days of high-quality grazing, with a potential value of $60-$90 per acre. This is more than the $127.50 per acre generated by a 30-bushel wheat crop at $4.25 per bushel, which requires additional harvest costs.

Grazing wheat may offer better financial returns compared to harvesting the crop for grain, especially if drought conditions, disease, or insects have reduced expected grain yields. Early spring calving cow-calf pairs can benefit from the high-quality grazing provided by wheat pasture, boosting their weight prior to breeding season.

When grazing wheat, logistics like fencing and water must be considered. Grass tetany is another risk, so ensure cattle receive a high-magnesium mineral supplement before turn-out. If grazing is not an option, cutting wheat for hay is another viable choice, with an early harvest ensuring high-protein hay for young, growing cattle.

A partial budget analysis, factoring in costs and revenues from grazing, haying, or harvesting for grain, can help evaluate these options and their impact on future crop production and potential government payments.

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