http://droughtreporter.unl.edu/

v 2.4.3.0

Drought hastened the liquidation of cattle and would likely continue to support rising cattle prices in the months ahead, according to an Oklahoma State University livestock marketing specialist. The beef cow slaughter is about 9 percent higher year-over-year, and 12 percent higher than in 2019. Drought may be contributing about 1.5% to the increased beef cow slaughter rate. The lack of rain in Oklahoma slowed winter wheat pasture growth for grazing. La Junta Tribune-Democrat (Colo.), Nov 24, 2021 Livestock producers in the West, Southwest and Northern Plains have endured extreme drought since June and are trying to decide whether to feed their herds or liquidate. Farm Progress (St. Charles, Ill.), Nov 11, 2021 Extreme heat and drought dried up pastures, leaving no hay or feed for cattle, pushing many cattle producers from Canada across the U.S. and Mexico to sell livestock. The liquidation of breeding stock is expected to limit cattle production for years, tighten the North American beef supply, and increase prices consumers will pay, according to ranchers and cattle experts. Reuters (New York), Sept 3, 2021