The U.S. Drought Monitor shows much of the central and southern Plains — where a lot of cattle are grazed over the winter — is facing dry conditions heading into late fall and winter, and the Drought Severity & Coverage Index (DSCI) indicates drought conditions are increasing in severity. Add to that expected increased influence from a distinct La Niña system in the Pacific Ocean and the prognosis doesn’t get much better through winter. These conditions will likely continue to strain winter wheat pasture and other grazing and forage sources, especially with a larger-than-normal fall run of calves expected later this month and into November. It’s a call for producers to look into potential fall marketing opportunities to manage supply and capture higher prices caused by the expected grazing shortfall. Learn more.