Tuesday, February 5, 2013

A new survery released by the U.S.D.A. shows Kansas livestock producers are shrinking their herds due to the ongoing drought.

That shrink could lead to higher meat prices. The inventory for both the U.S. and Kansas cattle is at its lowest level in 60 years due to the drought.

Mike Lewis, who manages the Pratt Livestock Auction tells KAKE News he has seen some producers continuing to cull or lower their herd numbers because of the drought.

"The grass has been used hard the last two years. It's been very dry. A lot of water in the ponds is gone and for those who don't have windmills it's going to be a real problem this year if we don't get a lot of rain."

The U.S.D.A. conducts cattle population counts twice a year, one in January, the other in July. January's survey shows cattle numbers down 2% nationwide, while here in Kansas, the cattle population is down 4%.

The U.S.D.A. says that is the lowest number for Kansas since 1952.