ORANGE CITY — Continuing and intensifying drought across northwest Iowa has cattle producers wondering how to prepare for 2023. Pastures were overgrazed, and the U.S. Drought Monitor has most of northwest Iowa rated as severe or extreme drought.

To help producers manage previous drought conditions and prepare for continuing drought, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is offering three informational meetings:

• Dec. 6, 10 a.m.-noon, ISU Extension and Outreach Office, 305 N. Main, Pocahontas. Preregister to 712-335-3103.

• Dec. 12, 1-3 p.m., St. John’s United Methodist Church, 212 S 7th St., Mapleton. Preregister to 712-423-2175.

• Dec. 19, 1-3 p.m., Le Mars Convention Center – Lower Level, 251 12 St. SE, Le Mars. Preregister to 712-546-7835.

A representative from Farm Credit Services of America will discuss Pasture, Range and Forage Insurance. This relatively new insurance program covers perennial forages and grazing land used to feed livestock that is based on a grid system and rainfall index.

Farm Service Agency will follow with an explanation of USDA financial assistance programs — the Livestock Forage Disaster Program, Emergency Livestock Assistance Program, and Livestock Indemnity Program.

ISU Extension and Outreach Crops Specialists, Gentry Sorenson and Leah Ten Napel, will share how to assess pasture/hay stands and go about repairing them. In some cases, frost seeding may be adequate. More extreme losses may involve interseeding or starting over with a new seeding.

ISU Extension and Outreach Beef Specialist Beth Doran will conclude with considerations for alternative and short-term forages.

All meetings are offered at no charge, but please preregister with the ISU Extension and Outreach Office in the hosting county; for Pocahontas, call 712-335-3103; for Mapleton, call 712-423-2175; and for Le Mars, call 712-546-7835.