June 15, 2006

Drought causes cattle sell-off in US state of Nebraska

Extremely dry conditions are causing anxiety among cattle producers in Nebraska and South Dakota, according to the University of Nebraska Crop Watch.

Many areas in western and central Nebraska are again facing severe drought.

This year's drought may force livestock producers to unload their stocks early, Bruce Anderson, a forage specialist at the University of Nebraska, said.

While hay only costs about US$30-60 a tonne. It is now between US$80-100 a tonne. Grain prices are also up.

Anderson said farmers should calculate whether they could afford to feed their animals until next spring. Even then, weather conditions may not be favourable.

This year's drought has affected Nebraska's pastures and crops much earlier than most other years.

Cool-season grasses would not be growing any longer now. However, warm-season grasses may grow well with sufficient rainfall in June. However, if they are delayed until mid-July, these grasses would experience little growth, Anderson said.

In central South Dakota, more cattle than usual are now sent to sale barns. Officals at auctions say a lack of pasture is also bringing more feeder cattle to market for sale.