Grazing cattle in a drought is challenging Connor Laukant in new ways. Laukant owns and operates Laukant Farms outside of Rock Springs. About 450 head of cattle are grazed on over 500 hundred acres.
Laukant raises his own herd of Red Angus and also custom grazes cattle for other farmers. He has several customers who bring their cattle to his pasture to reap the benefits of grazing on grass. “I take care of rotationally grazing them all summer then, when the grass runs out, I send them home,” said Laukant.
The customers who work with Laukant own feedlots. For them, it is cheaper to put their cattle on grass for the summer months. Laukant also mentioned that cattle’s rumen develops better on grass which allows them to gain more when they are back at a feedlot.
Drought conditions are forcing Laukant to stretch his grass and return the custom grazed cattle sooner than normal. Laukant said, “We’re sending them home in August and September.” This will allow him the opportunity to grow grass in September and the beginning of October to hopefully grow grass and prolong feeding hay.
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