Toolbox

USDA is calling on mobile app developers to participate in the Drought Code Sprint. Apps will use available government information to help farmers, ranchers, and others to gain quick and reliable "one-click" access to information on drought conditions and Federal drought relief. Submit your app by October 5, 2012 and we'll highlight some of the submissions on the USDA Drought web pages.

Use Existing Resources Technical Assistance  Governmental  EPA  NMED  Fish and Wildlife Service  Soil and Water Conservation Districts  Non-Governmental  Non-profits (such as Quivira)  Professional Consultants  Watershed Alliances (such as Hermit’s Peak)  Universities and Research Institutes Human Relationships  Family & Friends  Neighbors  Existing Networks  Business Relationships  Political Relationships  Community Institutions

Technical Resources Human Resources Slow It Spread It Sink It

Managing Drought Risk on the Ranch: A Planning Guide for Great Plains Ranchers

Herd  Number & class of livestock  AUs throughout the year  Feed needs  Current stocking rate Develop appropriate grazing system. Plan for feed needs during drought. See: Doing the Math: Calculating a Sustainable Stocking Rate (

Water  Wells/pipelines  Capacity  Water quality Understand water capacity, and plan for water development, if needed, to support grazing system and with-stand drought. See: Water Resource Inventory & Monitoring ( Monitor/WaterResources.aspx)

Human Resources  Family members‘ interests/abilities  Hired labor resources  Involve family in developing vision/goals, utilize talents, and determine labor needs.  Neighbors and friends

What are your Goals? Tools have to meet goals and associated values Is “Do nothing” an option? Don’t reinvent the wheel