Forages That Hold Up When Everything Else Dies — Drought-Proof Your Pasture
As of this spring, 61% of the contiguous United States is in drought. The Southeast just recorded its driest September through March period since 1895. Farmers across Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida have been feeding hay since last fall — burning through winter reserves before spring even started. Nearly 82% of Florida is in extreme or exceptional drought right now. [ US Drought Monitor, May 13 2026; Union of Concerned Scientists drought report May 2026 ]
Most drought advice shows up when it’s too late — when your pastures are already gone and you’re trying to source hay in a market where everyone else is doing the same thing. This video is about getting ahead of it. Six forages that produce when cool-season grasses have shut down, went dormant, or died. Some of them you can establish right now for emergency summer feed.
Some are long-term infrastructure you put in the ground this fall so you’re not here again next year. All six work for cattle, sheep, and goats. Where management differs by species, we’ll say so.