This was then followed by an abnormally cool spring. All the surveyed graziers reported that the 1995 season was poor. They complained about a cool, wet spring which delayed the growth of the warm season grasses. This was followed by a hot, dry July and August. For 1996, there is some uncertainty about pasture conditions.
Soil moisture is low due a dry summer and fall.
In addition, some are low on stock water. Many of the ranchers involved in this survey are well established. At least one traces its family operation back to the 1800s and another talked of a customer he has had for 40 years. These graziers handle from 3,000 to 15,000 head each with 4 to 15 clients each. These operations manage from 3,000 to 30,000 acres of native warm season grasses, mostly bluestem.