RIVERTON, Neb. (RFD News) — Drought is forcing difficult decisions for cattle producers, and Nebraska rancher Mike Bartels says acting early is critical.
Bartels says keeping the cow herd together remains a top priority because rebuilding after selling cows can take years. He says his operation is running at about 40 percent of its normal stocking rate, and meaningful moisture will determine when more cattle can be turned out.
Bartels says surface water is nearly gone in many areas, making livestock water one of the biggest challenges this summer.
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