AMERICUS — Jacquelyne Leffler has been busy the last several weeks. She has been cutting corn a lot earlier than normal.
It’s a decision Leffler didn’t make on a whim, but the weather hasn’t given her a choice. Her area near Americus has been mainly dry for close to a year as extreme drought has developed for much of northwest Lyon County. Leffler reports nearly 11 inches of rain since November, but only around 2 inches since Memorial Day.
Like several producers KVOE News has talked with the last few weeks, Leffler believes this drought compares with the area’s most recent drought from 2012 to 2013.
Nitrate content is critical for Leffler’s cattle, and high nitrates will mean Leffler has to reduce the amount of corn silage available for her herd. On top of that, grass and hay is getting cut early, so it doesn’t have the nutrient content it normally would.
These factors mean more expenses at a time when prices are low and tariffs are increasing, making American grain and cattle less attractive to overseas buyers.
On Wednesday, we continue our look at the north Lyon County ag situation as we talk with rancher Brian Keith near Allen.
Photos courtesy Jacquelyne Leffler
{gallery}Drought 2018 Jacquelyne Leffler{/gallery}
