Praying for Rain

The headlines tell it all. “Mid-Missouri Ranchers Experience Rough Summer,” “Drought-Stricken Ranches Threatened by Historic Heat,” and on and on.

According to drought.gov, the fields of LAAN Limousin Ranch are in severe drought conditions with little to no releif coming in the extended forecast. To say we need rain is an understatement. But, not just a single rainstorm. We need several soaking rains to break this drought.

When drought occurs, cattle rachers must decide how best to manage their herd to avoid economic losses. WIthout grass to forage, feeding cattle can become expensive. Droughts bring price hikes in grain and hay and can force a series of critical decisions about reducing herd sizes, sending cattle to feedlots, and leasing additional pasture.

For our little herd, we are not at a place where we need to make hard decisions – yet. But, we know other ranchers who are not only making hard decisions, many are selling out. For their and our sakes, please pray for rain.