Lea County, NM hits another #1

[oldandslow]

And it isn't good. Currently most of the county is at the highest drouth level ever recorded by the National Drouth Monitor. We are averaging a wild fire a day, 120 now, but al least they have been contained fairly quickly and have only burned up 35,000 acres so far. I say "only" as we have had some in the last several years that got 115-130,000 acres in one day. It makes me think of the conditions in the fifties in part of Texas that Elmer Kelton used in his work of fiction titled "The Time It Never Rained" and also the song, "When Will It Rain. SOON, I hope.

[Dee]

We got a gully washer the other day. Almost 3 inches.  First rain since last spring. Supposedly gonna rain again this evening. We'll see.
Ranchers are selling off their cattle and going out of business.

[oldandslow]

We have scattered showers predicted for this afternoon and tonight. I am not holding my breath.

[Dee]

Same here. My boss's brother is selling out, with fuel going way up, so is feed, and hay, which is being hauled in from other places.

[oldandslow]

If people think the price of beef is high now they have surprise coming. I remember talking to a cowboy several years ago when things were in the same situation and he was heading out to sell some cows and he said they were about like having gold. It will be the same this time.

[ironglow]

  Though during a grouth, 'gullywashers' are welcome, the real relief comes with continuous "soaker' rains..

   I wish I could send you guys some of what we are getting !  It woud be a relief for both of us !

[Dee]

Quarter, ping pong, and golf ball size hail now, possible 70mph winds .

[VA Rifleman]

Same here. My boss's brother is selling out, with fuel going way up, so is feed, and hay, which is being hauled in from other places.

Neighbor saying VA cattle prices down with a lot of Western cattle coming to market. 

Been a dry spring compared to last year. In a good year, I can reserve a couple small pastures for winter hay. This year might be different.