for The Fence Post
Weather plays a pivotal role in deciding when to sell cattle. In Kansas and Nebraska, especially the eastern half of both states, many livestock producers are getting weaned calves ready to send to the sale barn. However, where drought is bearing down, especially in Colorado and other western states, it’s another story.
Tough decisions have to be made in parts of Colorado. Because producers pulled calves off pasture in the summer, buyers are looking at other options.
“Decisions were made in the end of July and early August regarding producers’ annual production calf crop, and 50 percent weaned early, and another 50 percent sold early or were brought into a drylot,” said Robin Varelman, owner of Livestock Exchange LLC in Brush, Colo. “So, we’re only looking at 25 percent availability.”