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Drought is Worrying Ranchers

by Ramonica R. Jones

Winter is the most expensive time of year to feed livestock and with grass barely growing in many East Texas pastures, many farmers are concerned.  

A lot of rain fell across Angelina County Sunday and Monday, but area livestock producers said their pastures are still suffering because of high heat and low moisture.

Many of them are having their hay shipped in from other areas. Some ranchers are even selling their livestock to cut costs.

Angelina County Extension Agent Cary Sims said, "You can winter cattle and other livestock on grains, and we can certainly ship hay in from out of state or from other places that have gotten some rain and have gotten some hay, but that just drives up the cost of your operating expenses."  

This summer has been the driest around East Texas in several years. The last time it was this dry was 1998.