Industry News
Hot, Dry Spell Tough On Virginia Herdsmen, Animals
7/19/2010 7:50:37 AMVirginia's near-drought is hitting herdsmen and their cattle especially hard.
The Virginia Farm Bureau reports that the heat and parched conditions are taking a toll on the animals and pastures.
According to the state office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, 90 percent of the state reported topsoil moisture levels as very short or short.
That has left field ponds drying up and turned pasture to brittle nubs. Some are selling their livestock because of the lack of pasture, hay and water.
State agriculture officials say Virginia needs a solid drenching to salvage the growing season.
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.
