Drier weather or drought is not uncommon in our area because of the topography and general climate. The following are resources to learn more about our area and how to plan for drier weather or drought. If you become overwhelmed by drought and it’s impact at home or in your business reach out for help @ Colorado Agricultural Addiction and Mental Health Program @ campforhealth.org/or Colorado Crisis Services at 844-493-TALK (8255) or text TALK to 38255.

Yard & Garden: Consider long-term strategies to reduce water usage on your lawn, trees, and garden by adding compost or mulch around plants, pairing plants that are more drought tolerant to your landscape; and implementing sprinkler or drip systems that reduce overall water usage.

-Plant Select provides plant information, where to buy, landscaping ideas, etc. @ plantselect.org/

-PlantTalk Colorado has resources topics relating to yards and garden @ planttalk.colostate.edu/

Range Reminders:

-Estimate Carrying Capacity of a Pasture @ extension.colostate.edu/resource/estimating-carrying-capacity-of-a-pasture/ and Productivity with the Rangeland Analysis Platform @ jornada-data.shinyapps.io/production-explorer/. In good years don’t use all available forage and in bad years reduce usage even further to allow give plants to re-grow.

-Build out your contingency plans (i.g. secure additional acres to lease, stock up on additional feed if additional pasture is not available (this could be true in other severe weather (flooding or hail) events as well).

-Determine projected water needs and costs for pastures that rely on rain water or hauling water including the cost of additional tanks, pump costs, and delivery, including your “time”. Resource @ mwiah.com/our-insights/estimating-water-requirements-for-mature-beef-cows.

Learn More

-Colorado Agricultural Drought Advisors Resources @ droughtadvisors.org/drought-planning/#

-CSU Extension ABM Tools to help with financial decisions @ abm.extension.colostate

-U.S. Drought Monitor @ droughtmonitor.unl.edu/

-Colorado Climate Center has state specific information @ climate.colostate.edu/climate_long.html

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) & Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

-Local Service Center Directory (FSA/NRCS) to learn more about current programs including conservation and water project additions and disaster related assistance @ farmers.gov/working-with-us/service-center-locator

-Prevented Planting Insurance Provisions Drought Information @ rma.usda.gov/about-crop-insurance/fact-sheets/prevented-planting-insurance-provisions-drought

-Drought related Livestock Sales-Speak with your tax preparer before selling livestock during drought periods to discuss tax liability and replacement or exchange guidelines where applicable @ Publication 225-Farmer’s Tax Guide or irs.gov.