Extended dry periods can decrease forage quality and limit productivity. Lee and surrounding counties are all in a severe drought with only minor rain events in the forecast. We have not had a significant rain event in quite some time and we are currently on pace to experience one of the driest years on record per the North Carolina State Climate Office. The NC State Climate Office has been tracking weather data in Raleigh from 1983 to today. The historic average over that period is 12.36 inches of rain from January 1st to April 26th, this year we have had only 8.22 inches of precipitation. To protect pastures you should limit grazing to 3 to 4 inches in height. Once grazed to that level a sacrifice pasture should be picked to keep animals in and feed hay until we have a substantial rain event. The hay crop will be limited this year so look into your future hay supply as well as your stocking rate. When looking into your stocking rate you may want to consider culling some of your bottom end cows. Culling older females and poor doers will help with future hay issues. For more information call your local extension agent.