As producers gear up for spring grazing, many are facing the lingering effects of a La Niña-driven winter. With dry conditions persisting across much of the country, preparing pastures for the growing season requires a strategic approach.

Sam Ingram, a field scientist with Corteva Agriscience, emphasizes soil moisture is the foundation of successful grazing.

“Across the board, folks are still dry. The La Niña weather patterns have held true,” he says.

For those managing forage systems, this means thinking critically about soil fertility, weed competition and grazing timing to ensure maximum production from available resources.

Lessons from past La Niña events

La Niña is characterized by cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures in the Pacific, often leading to drier conditions in the southern United States and variable moisture patterns elsewhere.

“From past La Niña events, we’ve learned two key lessons. First, don’t turn cattle out too early — it can set pastures back. Second, when the rain comes, make sure it benefits desirable forages rather than weeds.” — Sam Ingram

Producers who experienced dry fall and winter conditions may be dealing with weakened forage stands heading into spring. Without adequate soil moisture, growth could be slower than usual, increasing the risk of weed pressure and overgrazing.

Timing is everything

Ingram stresses pasture assessments should be a priority before turnout.

“The sooner we target weeds, the sooner they stop competing with grasses for moisture and nutrients,” he says. “Producers can get a general assessment just by getting boots on the ground, checking their pastures while they’re out checking cattle.”

If broadleaf weeds have already begun to emerge, a well-timed herbicide application can prevent them from stealing valuable moisture and nutrients. Likewise, producers with strong grass stands should consider applying fertility to jump-start spring growth.

“Moisture and fertility go hand in hand,” Ingram explains. “When moisture arrives, we want fertility in place, weeds under control and the forage ready to take off.”

For producers in drier regions, testing soil fertility levels before applying products can prevent wasted inputs. If drought lingers into spring, split applications of fertilizer may be a safer bet than a single heavy application, ensuring nutrients are available when conditions improve.

Avoiding common pitfalls

When pastures begin greening up, it’s tempting to open the gates and turn cattle out as soon as possible. But if moisture remains limited, Ingram warns against rushing the process.

“Everyone wants to put up the hay spear and stop feeding hay as soon as possible,” he says. “But if moisture is lacking and pastures aren’t coming along as expected, don’t be too quick to open that gate. Give the grass time to establish standing forage.”

For those facing extreme dry conditions, a sacrifice lot with limited grazing can help protect pastures. Allowing other fields time to recover ensures long-term sustainability and sets up better conditions for future grazing rotations.

Stocking rates should always be based on available forage, and adjusting numbers early can prevent overgrazing during a dry season. Ingram advises producers to carefully assess carrying capacity and consider temporary adjustments if forage availability is below normal.

“Producers need to be flexible,” he says. “If it means holding fewer cows for a season to protect pastures, that might be the best move for long-term sustainability.”

Supplemental feeding strategies should also be considered. If hay supplies are running low, alternative feeds such as soybean hulls or distillers’ grains may be an option to stretch resources while avoiding excessive pasture stress.

Leveraging legumes

A well-managed pasture isn’t just about grasses. Legumes, such as white clover, provide a highly digestible, protein-rich feed source, complementing forage systems.

“Cattle thrive on a grass-legume mix,” Ingram explains. “Legumes are higher in crude protein and essential nutrients, which is especially beneficial for cows with calves at their sides. It provides energy without pulling them down as hard.”

Until recently, controlling broadleaf weeds while maintaining white clover was a challenge. A new herbicide option now allows producers to remove unwanted broadleaf weeds while preserving white clover in their systems.
“With this new option, farmers can maximize white clover in their pastures, which in turn increases nitrogen levels in the soil — benefiting the entire forage system,” Ingram says.

Additionally, overseeding pastures with legumes can help reduce fertilizer costs in the long run. Since legumes naturally fix nitrogen, they can improve overall soil fertility while providing high-quality forage.

Thinking beyond this season

Grazing management isn’t just about reacting to short-term weather patterns; it’s about long-term sustainability. This means maintaining healthy forage stands through proper fertility, weed control and rotational grazing practices.

Rotational grazing is one of the best ways to ensure pastures remain productive year after year. Moving cattle between paddocks allows grasses time to recover, which strengthens root systems and improves drought resilience.

“Forage management is a long-term game,” Ingram emphasizes. “These are perennial systems we’ll be grazing for years to come.”

Regardless of market conditions, the most cost-effective way to add pounds to cattle remains the same: well-managed grazing.

“At the end of the day, no matter if cattle prices are high or low, the most efficient way to put pounds of beef on cattle is through grazing forages,” Ingram says. “Our pastures are the foundation of the operation, let’s take care of them.”

While La Niña conditions may persist through spring, weather patterns will eventually shift. Preparing for future variability means building resilient forage systems can withstand both dry and wet cycles.

“Weather is always unpredictable, but the more we focus on soil fertility, proper grazing management and forage diversity, the better we can ride out these changes,” Ingram says.

By taking proactive steps today, producers can ensure pastures remain productive and profitable for years to come.

Editor’s note: Elizabeth Rosson is a freelance writer from Louisa, Va.