Drought in South Bohemia: Farmers Cut Cattle Herds Amid Feed Shortage

Farmers in the South Bohemian Region are being forced to reduce their cattle herds as a severe drought leaves them short of hay and grass to see the animals through winter. The season's second cut of grass, carried out by farmers in recent days to top up feed reserves, once again turned out far smaller than last year's.

"We did manage to mow the aftermath and pick out the best of what there was, but even that came to very little. We'll see if anything else grows, but grass at this point is usually of poorer quality anyway," said Bohumil Hradecký, chairman of the board of the Novosedly agricultural cooperative.

The feed shortage has also given rise to an unwelcome side effect: thefts of hay bales, which are often stored in open, unguarded areas. "Unfortunately, that's exactly what's happening. There are people who think, why buy hay when you can just steal it for free," Hradecký noted. Whereas a bale of hay used to cost around 500 crowns, some farmers are now willing to pay as much as 2,000 crowns for one.

According to industry representatives, the shortage of hay and grass may not be the only problem this season. A weak grain harvest threatens a straw shortage as well, and straw is needed not only as bedding for livestock but also as part of their bulk feed. If the lower grain yields are confirmed, straw prices are expected to rise, adding further supply difficulties for livestock farms.

According to official figures, South Bohemia was home to 222,300 head of cattle last year — 1,500 fewer than the year before. Even so, the region remains the leader among Czech regions in cattle numbers. The number of cows fell by 3.9% to 91,700 head, while the number of dairy cows dropped by 4.4%. South Bohemia still accounts for 16.1% of the country's total cattle herd, keeping its top spot among Czech regions.

Source: ekolist.cz