The Mid-Atlantic states and Kentucky's Bluegrass region suffered through a scorching drought last summer, as did some parts of the West. But the damage to pastures may not be permanent.

"Most pastures are in better shape than they look," said Jimmy Henning, Ph.D., extension specialist at the University of Kentucky, one of the states hit hardest by the drought of 1999. "They may need some tender loving care-fertilization, nitrogen, rotational grazing-to get fully back into production."

With spring approaching, farm owners who missed the opportunity to fertilize and seed pastures last fall have another chance.

Gary Lacefield, Ph.D., past president of the American Forage and Grassland Council, stressed the importance of testing drought-damaged land before you get started. "It is most important to spend your first dollar on soil testing. Once you know what nutrients the soil needs, you can purchase the right combination of lime, phosphorus, and potassium."

Early "frost planting" can be done in late February or early March. Forage seed is broadcast on short pastures to allow freeze-thaw cycles to work the seed into the soil. If you prefer, you can wait until the ground thaws in late March to early April to use a seed drill to get grass and legume seeds into the soil without tilling.

Lacefield said barren pastures are prime opportunities for renovation. "There is not a single, more important practice to improve forage than pasture renovation, and this is the greatest opportunity for the use of legumes."

To protect your pastures against the threat of another drought, Lacefield recommended planting alfalfa and clover in the early spring to allow them to get established in existing grass pastures. "Legumes such as alfalfa, lespedeza, and clover are deep-rooted, grow more in summer, and will help buffer the summer slump," he said.