WICHITA, Kan. (AP) The extended drought is prompting cattle farmers across Kansas to sell some or all of their herds.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported last week that the number of cattle sent to Kansas feedlots in September was the lowest on record for that month, down 25 percent from September 2011. The number of cattle sold by feedlots to packers in Kansas fell 17 percent from a year ago and tied for the worst month ever.
The Wichita Eagle reported the cattle industry expected the steep drop in cattle as drought ruined pastures, dramatically increasing the cost of feed.
Graham County farmer Ken Grecian said his pastures could support 350 cow-calf pairs in a normal year, but he will be lucky if he can support 250 next year.
