Heat Wave Crushes Midwest Pastures | Pierre News

Midwest and northern Plains ranchers are reeling as a brutal heat wave dries out pastures and compounds an already fragile cattle industry. With USDA data showing severe pasture degradation across key states — including Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, and the Dakotas — and Colorado’s grazing land in critical condition, farmers face mounting pressure. Compounded by a historically low cattle herd, dwindling water, and soaring feed costs, many ranchers may be forced to sell animals or spend heavily on supplemental feed, potentially driving beef prices higher. Experts urge close monitoring for heat stress as the forecast calls for more scorching, dry days — a crisis with far-reaching ripple effects across the supply chain. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/2b8ef6a7bf4e8e16