The ongoing drought conditions have raised concerns about the potential impact on beef sales and prices, affecting both consumers and producers in the industry.
Austin Havlik, Southeast Regional Director of the South Dakota Cattleman's Association, explains that the drought heavily influences cattle feed availability, including summer grass and winter hay. This scarcity of feed creates a domino effect that eventually reaches consumers.
While one year of dry conditions poses a challenge, consecutive years of drought can amplify the problem. Havlik notes that hay prices have nearly doubled in the past three years due to increased demand. Prolonged drought forces hay producers, particularly those in the western regions, to consume their extra supply, leading to shortages.
The drought also affects the cattle market, as ranchers are forced to reduce the size of their herds to match available feed resources. Cindy Kramer, owner of Kramer Livestock Auction, has witnessed the surge in demand for hay because of this situation. She mentions selling numerous square bales and pickup loads to help ranchers make it through the challenging period.
The recent rainfall has provided some relief, as the grass has turned green again and livestock owners are eager to replenish their herds. However, consumers may ultimately experience the repercussions at the grocery store. The scarcity of hay has prompted producers to liquidate part of their herds to ensure sufficient feed for the remaining animals. This domino effect is expected to have lasting consequences for years to come.
Currently, the industry is eagerly awaiting timely rain in the coming months to alleviate the impact of the drought and help restore stability to cattle feed supply.