LUBBOCK, Texas (RFD News) — Severe drought across the Texas South Plains is forcing cattle producers to make winter-feed decisions months early as pasture, hay and water supplies tighten. Aaron Mathies of Mill Iron Diamond Cattle Co. says current subsoil moisture may be worse than during the historic 2011 drought.
Mathies says his operation began purchasing hay about 30 days ago to ensure enough feed for winter. Hay remains expensive and difficult to find, while limited moisture is also reducing prospects for fall wheat pasture.
The drought is also raising operating costs. Producers are moving cattle onto emergency Conservation Reserve Program grazing, building temporary fences, hauling water, and repairing wells while paying more for fuel and labor.
Those pressures come even as cattle prices remain historically strong. Mathies says high feed and labor costs are limiting profitability, while drought has left some older cows in such poor condition that they require culling.
Without meaningful rainfall, South Plains ranchers may face tighter forage supplies and higher winter carrying costs well before the normal feeding season begins.
