In much of cattle country, drought is simply a part of running a ranch. In Western Kansas, for example, cattlemen can expect to experience a drought every five years or so, says Keith Harmoney, range scientist at the K-State Ag Research Center in Hays, KS. That means a written drought plan is a good idea, because it allows you to define some areas where decisive items can be addressed and be proactive rather than reactive as you enter a drought, while you're dealing with a drought and as you exit a drought.