Brutal heat combined with continuing drought is forcing some Kansas ranchers to sell off spring cattle earlier than they had planned.
The Hutchinson News reports that Kansas' auction markets are seeing more than triple the number of cattle they typically have at weekly sales.
For example, about 14,500 head of cattle were sold at rings at Pratt, Salina and Dodge City last week. Last year, those auction markets sold a total of 4,300 head.
The lack of rain has dried up ponds and pastures that feed and water the cattle. Ranchers are hauling water or buying hay because their own supplies have disappeared.
The Kansas Agricultural Statistics Service says more than half of the range and pasture conditions are in poor or very poor condition.
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Information from: The Hutchinson News, http://www.hutchnews.com
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.
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