ROXANA HEGEMAN, Associated Press
WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Drenching rains in recent weeks across the nation’s major livestock-grazing regions are greening pastures just as ranchers move cattle out for summer.
The annual rite of driving cattle out to pasture comes as ranchers try to rebuild herds that were decimated when they sold off much of their livestock because of drought-shriveled pastures and skyrocketing hay prices.
All the rain lately bodes well for the continued expansion of the nation’s cattle herd.
That also bodes well for consumers’ pocketbooks, with experts saying beef prices will come down from the record prices now averaging $6.08 a pound for the all-fresh beef.