Cattle and buffalo producers in Apure have activated a contingency plan during the current winter to cope with the extreme drought caused by the "Super Niño" phenomenon. The strategy focuses on stockpiling feed, protecting water sources, and adjusting the stocking rate per pasture.
Julio César Vargas, director of Criabúfalos de Venezuela, warned that the rainy season is the only window to secure the herd.
For his part, Manuel Jerónimo Solórzano, from the Apure Cattle Ranchers Association, reported that they are applying regenerative livestock farming, silage and haylage due to the low level of the Apure River, which is currently 80 centimeters below its 15-year historical average.
The early decrease in tributaries will deplete the pastures between September and October, creating a three-month deficit before the return of the rains. During that period, production will depend exclusively on stored inputs.
