Texoma's cattle producers continue to suffer from the drought. Dairy farmers say their product is being impacted by rising hay prices.
The high cost of hay is impacting milk. Roy Koetter is a partner of Koetter Dairy in Windthorst, and said he's having to feed his cows less of the good stuff and that means less milk.
Koetter already put in his wheat crop, hoping for a good growing season so his cattle can graze off of winter hay. He said that will take the stress off his pocket book, because monthly he is paying nearly $8,000 just for alfalfa. To make it go further, Koetter is having to supplement other hays.
"We are trying to make the alfalfa hay go further so we don't put as much in it. When you start cutting on the top end, your high protein alfalfa, the cows are going to give less milk." Koetter added, "You are still going to have a good quality product, but there's just going to be less of it. We're cutting back so far that your not making enough money to break even."
Koetter said he understands the drought is still affecting the agriculture industry, so he stays focused on a brighter future.
The Farm Service Agency reminds all dairy producers to sign up for the Milk Income Loss Contract Benefits, the deadline is September 30th. The MILC compensates dairy producers when domestic milk prices fall below a certain level.
Thursday, May 23 2013 12:59 AM EDT2013-05-23 04:59:16 GMT
Newschannel 6 crunched some numbers to find out which town is Texoma's gun capital and why so many people there have a license to carry a concealed weapon.
Newschannel 6 crunched some numbers to find out which town is Texoma's gun capital and why so many people there have a license to carry a concealed weapon.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:59 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:59:02 GMT
Moore, OK has received an enormous amount of donations and the city is simply overwhelmed. City officials said, monetary donations would be best, until further notice.
Moore, OK has received an enormous amount of donations and the city is simply overwhelmed. City Officials said, monetary donations would be best, until further notice.
