Drought is another factor impacting livestock producers and one of the states most impacted is Texas.
Taking a look at the latest drought monitor, Texas is covered in the darkest shades of red, meaning exceptional drought. This has been going on for quite some time, as 93 percent of the state has been in a drought since mid July and 26 percent of Texas is at the highest level of drought.
More than half of U.S. cattle are in some form of drought, which has led to cattle slaughter to be at a nationwide high. The East Texas Livestock Auction in Crocket says 75 percent of the cows sold at auction in the past two months have been sent to the slaughterhouse. That is up almost 40 percent from last year.
Producers are selling their herd early because the pastures are so dry and other feed sources are too expensive.
Related:
A first-hand look at the impact of drought on cattle producers in Texas
First-hand look at how drought is impacting cattle producers in Arkansas
Drought is causing cattle producers to sell off their herds; how to conserve remaining forage
