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Rancher says weather challenges have created unpresented, historic challenges
A Southwest Nebraska rancher says weather extremes have taken its toll on his herd and his operation’s financial outlook.
Logan Pribbeno of Wine Glass Ranch tells Brownfield “It was the driest year in our 134-year history until we got to December, and it was the wettest month in our 134-year history.”
He says the drought forced him to reduce stocking rates up to 50 percent, calves died because of extreme cold and, now, they’re starting to lose body condition. “We started with cows in a body score of six, and now looking at a body score of five to five-and-a half. There’s no end in sight right now. I’m out looking at 12 inches of ice and snow on cornstalks. When I look at the 10-to-14-day forecast, I don’t see it going anywhere anytime soon.”
He says other producers have already started feeding cows. “When you start feeding a cow in January, and you feed that cow until grass green up in May or June, you’re looking at another year of no profits.”
But, Pribbeno, says the moisture will help his wheat and rye pastures for cattle to graze. “Come April 1, it’s all fun and games, but we have to get there.”
He says if drought conditions don’t improve, he will continue to sell off parts of his herd.
Pribbeno says his financials of his operation were struggling. “Our overhead didn’t match our stocking rate and it hurt our bottom line.”
When he had employees depart, he chose to not fill those parts, which helped improve the balance sheet.
According to the latest US Drought Monitor, his area has been in exceptional drought for more than a year and the latest update shows 8 percent of the state remains in that classification.
Logan Pribbeno:
Tags: Ag Weather, cattle, cows/beef, Drought, Logan Pribbeno, Profitability, snow, Weather, Wine Glass Ranch
Tough times out West. Hope he makes it