Northern Arizona ranchers preparing for difficult summer
3/9/2018 5:55:52 PM
CATEGORIES:
Agriculture
Plants & Wildlife
Water Supply & Quality
AFFECTED AREAS:
Apache County, AZ
Coconino County, AZ
Navajo County, AZ
Start Date: 3/9/2018
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Ranchers in northern Arizona were preparing for a difficult summer if March does not bring rain after a much drier than normal winter. Many ranchers were considering selling livestock, given the low or dry stock tanks and poor forage. Some Navajo ranchers were dealing with completely dry earthen water tanks and were hauling water for livestock, which takes time and effort.
One rancher moved 500 calves to Colorado and was offering high-nutrition supplemental feed so remaining livestock will graze less on natural shrubs and grasses. The cattle and water tanks will also be moved more often to prevent overgrazing.
Arizona Daily Sun (Ariz.), March 9, 2018
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