Drought Plan
Pre-decided trigger points and actions. Make hard decisions when it's still raining, not when it isn't.
Green
≥ 28" annualNormal regrowth, full rotation
Standard rotation, build hay reserve to 90 days.
Yellow
≥ 22" annualRegrowth slowing, ponds 70%
Cull open cows. Wean early if needed. Lock in hay supplier.
Orange
≥ 16" annualVisible stress, ponds 40%
Reduce herd 20%. Defer breeding. Move to longest-rest paddocks only.
Red
≥ 10" annualBare ground risk, hauling water
Destock to core genetics. Activate sacrifice paddock. Daily water check.
Why this matters
The hardest cull decisions are the ones made under stress. By writing the trigger thresholds and responses while pastures are green, you make the dry-year calls calmly — and you protect both the land and the genetics that took decades to build. Edit your thresholds and actions on each card to match your operation.