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Missouri cattleman says drought is worst he’s ever seen

Severe to extreme drought conditions continue across much of Missouri.

Northwest Missouri cattleman Don Fischer says, in his 40 years of farming, he’s never seen it so dry.

“Ponds are drying up. The hay crop is very short from last year and to make matters worse everybody used up all their reserves this spring,” Fischer says.

He says they’ll face some tough decisions if it doesn’t start raining soon.

“We’ve got a registered Simmental herd that we started in 1971, so we’re pretty proud of some our genetics—and we’ll hold on to as many as we can, as long as we can.

“Most of the area has sort of been able to stay alive. But we’re about all ready to hit the wall pretty soon—and there’s not a lot of really good options.”

Fischer, who lives near Winston, Missouri, spoke with Brownfield last week at the Missouri State Fair.

AUDIO: Don Fischer, visiting with Brownfield’s Cyndi Young