Drought, Fire, and High Diesel Prices Challenge Oregon Ranchers
- Katie Baltzor raises black angus cattle on a ranch outside of Hines, Oregon, where she rides a side-by-side vehicle among her herds.
- Ranchers across Harney County face escalating expenses for everyday operations.
- To save money on diesel, Baltzor and her husband Keith switched to gas-powered pickups.
Katie Baltzor raises black angus cattle on a ranch outside of Hines, Oregon, where she rides a side-by-side vehicle among her herds. NPR reported that diesel prices remain near record highs, adding severe financial pressure to cattle ranchers across western states who are already struggling with persistent drought and the aftermath of devastating wildfires.
Rising Fuel and Operation Costs
Ranchers across Harney County face escalating expenses for everyday operations. Baltzor noted that fuel costs, parts costs, and overall expenses have risen significantly. While calf prices paid to producers have increased, they have not kept pace with overall inflation, leaving producers spinning their wheels unless they deeply love the work.
To save money on diesel, Baltzor and her husband Keith switched to gas-powered pickups.
Wildfires and Reduced Forage
Record-size wildfires ravaged mountain ranges where Baltzor typically ranges her cattle, stripping the land of necessary grass. Baltzor and hired riders had to bring their cows home in July instead of September. Many neighbors lost grazing allotments that will remain closed for years.
Drought conditions also stunted local hay meadows, leaving little irrigation water to grow winter feed. To conserve fuel and protect against potential fires, Baltzor utilized a method called rakebunching, which involves raking pasture hay into piles in the field instead of running tractors through multiple baling passes.
Upcoming Winter Challenges
Rakebunching provides a temporary solution for the autumn months, but it leaves the ranch short of hay for the upcoming winter.
Baltzor and her husband also prepared to bring cows home to check pregnancies, administer vaccinations, and provide dewormer.
There's different ways to get into the cattle business, and ours wasn't the easiest way. But I think it's very worthwhile. Because you appreciate what you have.
Katie Baltzor