The hot topic of discussion at this year’s Nebraska Cattlemen’s Association’s annual meeting and convention are the dry conditions.  According to Nebraska Cattlemen’s president, Brenda Masek, cattle producers are concerned.  She says for some cow-calf operators within the Sandhills of Nebraska, 2023 will be the third consecutive year for the expanding drought.

Masek says because of the drought, hay costs are higher, and pastures and grasslands are in poor condition.

NCBA national president Don Schiefelbein of Minnesota is attending the Nebraska Cattlemen’s convention, and says the drought is what he has been hearing from Nebraska cattle producers.

Both cattle producers indicated further cow liquidation will occur if the drought continues.  They say it will take at least three to four years to be able to build back herds.