Local Cattle Producers Cope with Dry Weather

Between the dry weather this summer and the oil impact, times aren’t exactly easy for the cattle ranchers in our area. A couple of our local producers provided some insight on how the season is going for them.

“The oil impact for us is huge,” stated Howard Rambur of Rambur Charolais when asked if the weather and the oil has impacted him. Just like most businesses in the area, he is having trouble finding hired hands. As far as the weather goes, they have been able to do everything as scheduled. However, the dry conditions have hindered their fall and winter grazing. Rambur will have to start purchasing feed for the cattle, which has gone up significantly. Not only has the price of the feed itself gone up, but also the freight costs.

Loretta Vitt with Bar JV Angus stated that the lack of rain and dry conditions this year has actually forced them to postpone weaning their calves for a few weeks. She mentioned, “We are usually weaning at this time, but due to the dryness and all the dust we had to postpone it.”

All in all, the weather conditions this summer and the oil, have definitely impacted the way our local cattle ranchers go about their business. All producers hope for more rain next year.