He still has a little winter feed left, but only because he and his partner sold off part of the herd. About the only bright spot in having to sell is that prices are stronger today than they have been in several years, Collins said Normally when ranchers are forced to sell, it's a buyers market. Ranchers are left scraping for what little they can get. But now it's different, he said. Feed prices are down, and several areas to the north, such as Oklahoma and Kansas, got their rains.
Pastures are ready and the push for more cattle is on, driving prices up.
CRP lands typically remain idle for a block of years as part of a federal grant program to replenish the soil and conserve natural resources. Lawmakers allowed several thousand acres to be grazed or cut for hay earlier this year. Recent rains in some parts of the Big Country have allowed a few ranchers to get back out and try to rebuild their herds. Still, building back the numbers will take a while, Collins said. State and federal agriculture agencies are already warning ranchers to hold off on replenishing herds until the grass gets a chance to rebuild its root systems.