GLENWOOD, AR --
The cows at the Cattleman's Livestock Market don't realize it, but they're modeling for a new owner. Their previous owner believes this is the best time to sell."If they wait much longer and they go to losing weight, you start losing money so you have to get them to market while there's still some flesh," said Jim Clark, a rancher.
Clark sold heads of cattle earlier this month. At the Pike County livestock market, things usually don't get busy until fall, but the drought pushed that selling season up. It's either now or maybe never.
"You look around and pastures don't have anything. They've eaten up everything out there. That's the reason we're having to feed hay," Clark said.
Not only are cattle eating into their winter supply of hay, but corn prices jumped as a result of slim yields.
All a result of little water.
"I talked to a boy in Illinois Sunday night and he was having to sell a whole cow herd," Clark said.
If the drought persists, it could affect the family-owned livestock market, spanning three generations.
"There's always been a sale here so I hope to continue one," said Steven McGrew, who runs Cattleman's Livestock Market with his father.
A hope to continue a tradition and avoid disruption at the dinner table.
"What I'm concerned about is at the grocery store. What are they going to do? All the people that go in and buy something?" Clark said.
