Drought-Wracked Texas Cattle Face Thinning Herds and Rising Beef Prices
The brown and black cattle of Texas, iconic symbols of the Lone Star state, are currently facing dire circumstances. They roam through desiccated pastures and stand in dwindling watering holes, while their ranchers grapple with the challenge of providing them with enough food. The second consecutive summer of drought and extreme heat is taking a toll on the health of cattle in Texas, which happens to be the leading beef-producing state in the U.S.
As a result of these harsh conditions, some ranchers are considering thinning their herds to save money on animal feed and hay. David Henderson, a 62-year-old rancher from Tennessee Colony in East Texas, manages a herd of about 150 cows. He recently sold approximately 30 cows due to the drought. Last year, the dry conditions forced ranchers in East Texas to sell over 2.66 million cattle between January and August, representing an increase of more than 480,000 cattle compared to the previous year during the same period, according to the Texas Farm Bureau.
Texas State Climatologist John Nielsen-Gammon predicts that the extreme heat, driven by global warming, will become the new normal. He asserts that the trends of rising temperatures will continue for the next few decades, resulting in higher heat extremes during summers.
The drought, triple-digit heat, and lack of food have impact across the entire cattle industry. The calves receive limited milk, the cows struggle to fatten up, their reproduction is affected, and ultimately, the prices of beef increase. Jimmy Reed, owner of the Cattle Ranch Supply store in Tennessee Colony, has been dispatching feed deliveries to ranchers in early August instead of the usual mid-November timeframe due to the diminished pastures.
With the decrease in supply, the price of beef is expected to rise, much to the disappointment of consumers hoping to indulge in ribeyes, T-Bones, and ribs. The scarcity resulting from the drought and reduced herd sizes will inevitably affect the availability and cost of these sought-after cuts of meat.
Rancher Corey Davis, 39, expresses his optimism earlier this year after experiencing ample rainfall. However, after a month without rain, the region finds itself in the grips of a drought once again, dashing his hopes of a plentiful hay harvest.
As we look ahead, it becomes evident that the impact of climate change will continue to present significant challenges for the Texan cattle industry. The extreme conditions hinder the growth of grass and other essential crops for the cattle, causing immense strain on ranchers and their herds. By adopting sustainable practices and exploring innovative solutions, ranchers will be better equipped to address the long-term consequences of drought and provide for their beloved cattle.
