Salvadoran ranchers feeding and caring for their cattle during dry conditions, Image Generated for Our Life in El Salvador
More than 33,000 Salvadoran cattle ranchers have received government assistance as the country’s agricultural sector struggles with drought, extreme temperatures and a growing shortage of pasture.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) says its support has concentrated on three important areas: animal health, emergency feed and the development of more dependable sources of forage.
These measures are welcome news for ranchers. However, reports of falling milk production demonstrate that many livestock producers remain under considerable pressure.
More Than 125,000 Cattle Treated
According to MAG, veterinary campaigns have provided vaccinations, deworming treatments and vitamins to more than 125,000 cattle.
These services have reportedly benefited over 33,000 ranchers across the country.
Veterinary care is especially important during periods of drought. When cattle cannot obtain enough nutritious pasture or water, they can lose weight and become more vulnerable to illness.
Vaccinations and parasite control can protect the health of the animals. Vitamins may also help address some nutritional deficiencies. However, these treatments cannot replace adequate food and water.
For that reason, government assistance has also included several alternatives for feeding cattle.
Sugarcane Bagasse Distributed as Feed
MAG reports that more than 16,000 tons of sugarcane bagasse have been distributed to help ranchers feed their livestock.
Bagasse is the fibrous material left after juice is extracted from sugarcane. Although it does not provide complete nutrition by itself, it can be used as part of a cattle-feeding program when pasture is scarce.
During a severe shortage, this material can help ranchers stretch their remaining supplies. It may also prevent some farmers from having to sell cattle because they cannot afford to feed them.
Proper nutritional guidance remains important. Ranchers must understand how bagasse should be combined with other feed, minerals and protein to provide their animals with a more balanced diet.
Concentrate Offered at Reduced Prices
The government is also selling cattle concentrate for between $10 and $14 per quintal. The price depends on the formula and its protein content.
One program in eastern El Salvador offered small ranchers an 18% protein dairy-cattle concentrate for $14 per quintal. Qualified producers could purchase as many as four quintals after presenting their livestock-brand registration.
For comparison, one participating rancher said she had been paying approximately $23 per quintal for a similar commercial product. At that price, the government program could save a producer about $9 on each bag.
That reduction can be meaningful for a small family farm. However, four quintals will not feed a herd for an extended period. The discounted concentrate should therefore be seen as temporary relief rather than a complete answer to the feed shortage.
Drought Reduces Pasture and Milk Production
These measures come as El Salvador confronts serious agricultural and meteorological drought conditions.
The country declared a nationwide red alert for drought on August 25. Authorities cited irregular rainfall, prolonged dry periods, unusually high temperatures and increasing pressure on water supplies and agricultural production.
Cattle ranchers have been particularly affected in eastern El Salvador, where reduced rainfall has limited the growth of pasture.
Agricultural organizations have reported substantial declines in milk production. Estimates differ, but some livestock representatives say production has fallen by as much as 75% in the most affected areas.
The cost of producing milk has also reportedly increased. Some producers say the cost of producing a bottle has risen from approximately 40 cents to 63 cents.
These estimates come from organizations representing agricultural producers rather than a complete national study. Nevertheless, they demonstrate the difficulties facing farms that depend on rainfall to maintain their pastures.
When grass becomes unavailable, farmers must purchase additional feed. That increases the cost of milk production and reduces the amount of income remaining for the ranching family.
A Forage Bank Could Provide Longer-Term Help
One of the government’s most promising plans is the establishment of a large forage bank in eastern El Salvador.
Earlier reports indicated that approximately 1,300 manzanas could be planted with improved grasses and other crops suitable for feeding livestock.
The proposed varieties include Cuba 22 grass, forage sorghum, Cratylia argentea and forage cactus.
Some of these plants can tolerate dry conditions better than traditional pasture. Others can provide additional protein or moisture as part of a balanced feeding program.
MAG says the forage produced through the project will eventually be made available to ranchers at cost.
If the project is managed properly and continues beyond the current emergency, it could become more valuable than temporary feed distribution. A dependable forage supply would help ranchers prepare before another drought begins.
Assistance Is Helpful, but Questions Remain
The support reported by the government is encouraging. Treating 125,000 cattle and reaching more than 33,000 ranchers represents a considerable effort.
However, the published figures do not provide a complete picture of the program.
The reports do not explain how the assistance was divided among the country’s departments and municipalities. They also do not say how many ranchers received bagasse, how much each producer received or how many were able to purchase discounted concentrate.
It would also be helpful to know the government’s total investment and how MAG will measure the program’s results.
Did the treatments reduce cattle illnesses? Did the feed assistance prevent livestock losses? Has it helped stabilize milk production? Will farmers in western departments, including Ahuachapán, receive the same opportunities offered in the eastern region?
These questions do not diminish the value of the assistance. They would simply help the public understand how widely the program is reaching and whether it is producing lasting results.
Preparing for a Less Predictable Climate
Government officials say some of the current measures will become permanent. That would be a positive development.
Emergency assistance is important when drought threatens animals and rural livelihoods. However, El Salvador also needs long-term preparation.
That preparation should include dependable water supplies, improved pasture, forage reserves, veterinary services and practical training for small ranchers. Producers also need access to affordable feed before conditions become critical.
Living in a rural part of El Salvador, I see how important agriculture is to local families and communities. A problem affecting cattle ranchers does not stop at the farm. It can eventually affect the availability and price of milk, cheese, cream and meat.
Supporting ranchers therefore helps protect more than individual farms. It also contributes to the country’s food supply and rural economy.
The current programs provide useful assistance during a difficult period. The next challenge will be turning this emergency response into a dependable system that helps Salvadoran ranchers prepare for future droughts.
Sources: Diario El Salvador, Diario El Mundo, El Salvador Times and Protección Civil
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