Farmer says Arkansas drought turns cattle ranch into 'desert'

[phantom power]

ATKINS, Ark. — Drought now covers more than half of the lower 48 states but few have it as rough as Arkansas, where the entire state is listed as suffering from lower than average precipitation.

Haralson has had to sell 100 of her 250 cows and ranchers across drought-hit areas are doing the same -- a trend that could raise beef prices next year, when fewer cows will be around to sell.

Forecasters say four to six inches of rain are needed to end the drought in Arkansas. Some rain is likely over the next few days, but there's nothing that significant on the horizon.
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Indeed, drought conditions have only expanded and intensified in recent weeks, according to the weekly Drought Monitor compiled by the National Weather Service.

http://usnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/07/10/12661653-farmer-says-arkansas-drought-turns-cattle-ranch-into-desert?lite

[kestrel91316]

1. Desert is what happens when you continue to graze and graze and graze when

the pasture has turned brown and isn't growing.

Good luck reversing the process even when it starts raining again.

[phantom power]

3. "Eat less meat" would be a good public service campaign

But I'm sure it's a cultural non starter, because freedom and cowboys and steak! or something.

[newfie11]

2. hay will be in short supply

This year it will be very expensive. Trucking hay and cutting back on herds for winter will be the only option.
We have irrigation but because it is so hot our hay is not growing.
No cows here. Just 2 old horses. No we will not be selling them.

[msongs]

4. humans have no natural need for cows. try growing something useful needing low water nt