(AP) – Cattle producers in western Kansas are scrambling to find hay for the colleagues in the drought-stricken southwest, the latest sign of desperation amid drought conditions.

The Salina Journal reports that producers are running out of options because hay production has been hurt by drought conditions in Texas, Oklahoma, southern Kansas, and elsewhere.

Mike Schultz, a cattle producer near Brewster, says he’s busy trying to find people who have hay to sell to some of the desperate Oklahoma and Texas producers who’ve called him.

But even if he finds it, he’s likely to also find higher costs. Officials say falling hay production is forcing prices up.

Justin Knoft, who grows alfalfa and other crops in Saline County, says his hay is selling for 40 percent more than last year.