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Massive wildfires in Nebraska are threatening to slow efforts to rebuild the U.S. cattle herd, as key grazing land in one of the nation’s top beef-producing states has been destroyed.
Fires fueled by high winds have burned roughly 775,000 acres of pasture, removing a critical feed source for tens of thousands of cattle, according to state officials. The loss of grassland is expected to delay herd expansion plans, even as producers have been encouraged by historically strong cattle prices.
Industry leaders say the fires compound ongoing challenges, including drought and high production costs, which have already pushed U.S. cattle inventories to multi-decade lows. Ranchers may be forced to move cattle, rely on more expensive feed, or reduce herd sizes in the short term.
Analysts note that while strong beef demand has supported prices, the destruction of pastureland could further tighten supplies and prolong the timeline for herd recovery.
NAFB news service
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