‘We haven’t seen anything like this’: Nebraska drought causes cattle feed shortage

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The effects of the drought in Nebraska are a trickling cataclysm.

Its impact was first felt by farmers, and now feed yards and ranchers in the state.

Ranchers are pleading for help, but they say the problem is one only nature can solve.

Due to the lack of rain, there’s not much in pastures or hayfields.

Some farmers doubt they’ll have much to harvest this fall.

SEE ALSO: Some Nebraska farmers preparing for total crop loss due to drought

Joel Weber, the owner, and manager at Weber Feedyards, said the conditions are the worst he’s ever seen.

“In my lifetime of operating this business, we haven’t seen anything like this,” Weber said. “It’s just almost impossible to meet our roughage needs.”

With the need for water at an all-time high, Weber says outsourcing for feed or roughage comes at a high price.

“Procuring quality hay has been a challenge, just sourcing it, trying to come together at a price with the owner of it,” Weber said. “It’s certainly a challenge. And it’s hurting our bottom line and making our entire world cost more.”

SEE ALSO: Drought declared a natural disaster, but Nebraska farmers are getting help

Weber said rising costs for farmers and ranchers mean rising costs for consumers.

“Oh, it’ll trickle down as feed costs go up,” he said.

Weber said that with inflation, shoppers are already seeing high prices for meat and other goods.

Right now, he and others in the field say it would take a substantial and continuous rain to save crops and halt the relentless cycle that comes with drought.

SEE ALSO: Expert shares key practices for Nebraska farmers amid drought