2007 going to be challenging for cattlemen
OKLAHOMA - Livestock specialist Greg Highfill, of the Oklahoma State University Extension Service, visited an area farm recently that has produced since statehood.
18 December 2006
1 minute read
An earmark of the farm — the big pond — was bone dry, something Highfill had never seen in his visits over the years.
“Lots of people are hauling water up and down the highway. The day is full for most laborers without this added task,” Highfill said.
Highfill told his story shortly after saying the two most important factors area cattle producers are looking at for the upcoming year are the continuing drought and corn prices.
“It’s going to be a challenging year. We are going to be off to a rough start until Mother Nature starts cooperating,” Highfill said.
Weston Winter, of Winter Live-stock, agrees the drought is causing producers to be extra careful of what they’ve got in the way of feed and grain.
“The hay situation is pretty tight. There’s a fixed amount of hay grass now. I think a fella needs to be expedient and efficient. There can’t be any waste. Just watch the excess. Cows don’t need to be overfed. Be disciplined about culling,” Winter said.
Winter has seen some drastic cuts in cattle herds because of the drought.
Source: Enid News
