The Drought Continues for Local Farmers
By: Charlie De Mar
Updated: June 26, 2012
The drought has dried out the pasture that seven sons Family farm uses to graze their livestock---forcing them to make some costly decisions
Blaine Hitzfield, of Seven Sons family Farm has the tall order of keeping his livestock naturally fed without having much nutrient-rich grass left.
"In about 3 to four weeks our pasture will no longer have enough growth unless we get some serious rain," said Hitzfield.
Due to the lack of rain, Blaine and his father Lee have been supplying their cattle with stored food--Making operating costs much higher
"That stored forage will cost us roughly 800-1000 dollars per day. Usually we don't start using forage till November or December," said Hitzfield.
If the rain doesn't come soon--Seven Sons most likely will make some drastic changes.
"If we do not get rain this summer we will start having to sell livestock and for our local customers that will mean less product available and most likely increase costs," said Hitzman.
For restaurant owners like Fritz Hoffman these increased prices from suppliers could mean higher prices for you the customer.
"It becomes tricky for restaurants because we don't want to raise prices with the economy the way it is but when things start to cost us more money obviously we have to pass that along someplace," said Hoffman.
The prayers for rain continue for both farmers and restaurant owners who hope to keep prices low and customers happy.
The drought will impact the farms production not just for this season but for years to come as the lack of rain has left permanent root damage to the soil.
