Why? four reasons
1. Very crappy hay growing season last year.
2. Lots of cattle selloffs because of that.
3. Corn/feed prices hikes.
4. Ethanol taking away huge percentage of feed corn crops.
The dollar losing value due to incredible irresponsible spending and borrowing and printing by the Federal beast.
Worst drought in 100 years.
Yep, shortage of hay and feed grain.
Producers are in the squeeze.
Milk is currently 3.99 per gal. locally now. They put it on sale 1 time per month about $2.50 per gal.
My family sold all the beef cattle 2 years ago. Have not rebought because of the uncertainty of winter grazing and hay. If you own them you have to feed them regardless.
We have always had a small cow/calf operation. I suspect we will rebuy when there is a sign the drought is over. Not before regardless of price.