High Plains Ranchers Face Forage Shortages Amid Drought Conditions
Ranchers across the High Plains are grappling with significant forage shortages due to widespread drought conditions and the aftermath of wildfires in states like Kansas and Nebraska. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor as of May 28, 2026, nearly all High Plains states are experiencing some level of drought, with Colorado, Nebraska, and Wyoming facing extreme to exceptional conditions. To mitigate the impact, experts recommend rotational grazing and high stocking density to maintain forage quality and encourage regrowth. Warm-season grasses, such as blue grama and big bluestem, thrive in hotter, drier conditions, while cool-season grasses like smooth bromegrass and crested wheatgrass grow primarily in spring and fall. Ranchers are also advised to monitor pasture conditions closely and pull cattle off early to protect regrowth for future seasons. Alternative feed options, including soybeans, sunflower seeds, and alfalfa, are being suggested to supplement dwindling pasture resources. 
