Costly cattle
Thu, 05/01/2014 - 4:00am
Steve Belcher
Producers hanging on, even in challenges
Thursday, May 1, 2014
Clinton Livestock Auction owner Blake Berry estimates there are 30 to 40 percent fewer cattle than there were three years ago in this extended and continuing drought.
Given the “tremendous shortage” of beef, Berry sees a trend of producers holding onto the cattle they have and avoiding another big selloff.
Berry said the sale barn north of Clinton has seen a fairly steady flow of livestock crossing the auction block. Two weeks ago more than 700 head of cattle were sold. This Tuesday, they marketed 650. Out of that 650, more than 100 head went to slaughter. Berry said most of his clientele are local.