Oklahoma ranks number five in the nation when it comes to the number of cattle, but years of drought and high market prices are fueling a sell-off, and experts worry that the $4.5 billion dollar industry is in a downward spiral that will be difficult to recover from according to an article from StateImpact Oklahoma.
Brian Brus says, “Higher market prices continue to siphon beef into the market, shrinking the state’s collective herd even more. Every calf or cow sold early in its life cycle means fewer adult cattle for breeding and lower beef production per head.”
Bus added, “..the spiral will grow tighter and tighter until it is unsustainable.”