Dry Conditions Means Early Cull Rates for State Producers
With hot and dry conditions in Northeast Colorado and drought and fires in Southeast and Southwest Colorado, some producers are having to make deep cull cuts according to Executive Vice President of the Colorado Cattlemen's Association, Terry Finkhauser. He looks for about a 20% increase in cattle runs, with 35-40% increase in stocking capacity because of less and deteriorating pasture resources. In addition, hay resources are becoming harder to find and there is an increased amount of hay being moved into Colorado from other states. Colorado Governor, John Hickenlooper has approved a change in height restrictions on hay loads, so that more hay can be transported at one time. Finkhauser says that producers are also looking to adjust rations given that there are more poor-quality feeds being given to cattle right now. CCA has activated a hay lists that has resources for hay for sale. Much of the hay that is for sale right now is from Montana, Idaho and the Dakotas. ...