Local cattle farmers at risk in worsening drought

MERCEDES, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Cattle farmers are feeling the heat, as the drought continues to dry up cow pastures.

Irrigation farmers are at the highest risk, as natural waters going into their farms are increasingly restricted.

Mike England is one such cattle farmer in Mercedes.

He said not only are his pastures drier, but he’s also losing "cow crops" with the delay in rain.

“Whatever crop we had made at the time, that was all we were going to make, and I say that because then it starts raining too late," England said. " The rain has actually taken most of our crop away from us.”

These are crops such as hay and sorghum. Marco Ponce with Texas Agri-life explains this is supplementary feed, or what cows use to balance their diet and eat when grass is gone.

“Beef cattle producers are having to buy additional hay and feed and supplements, as well, for their cattle,” Ponce said.

England says though sorghum was extremely low this harvest, he got just enough hay to keep the cattle fed.

“We ended up cutting about 8 to 9 rolls, round bales, an acre, which is pretty good. You know, no irrigation, no anything, just off of what the good lord sent us," England said. " But it’ll keep them alive, keep you going, and hopefully until the next rain.”