by John Nalivka: May 4, 2018

Forage is the foundation of the beef industry. Consequently, any event that impacts forage supplies is critical to analyzing the industry’s well-being – drought being one of those. In 2011 and 2012, we saw the impact of two major back-to-back droughts on the beef industry. Another factor that critically impacts forage supplies and often much more, is wildfires. Whether started by lightning or human caused, the impact of wildfires on ranches grazing cattle on federal lands in the Western U.S. can be significant or even devastating to the operation. (full article)