Missouri cattle ranchers show emotion at the House Agricultural Policy Committee meeting

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Intro:	The Missouri drought brings tearful testimonies to the House Agriculture Policy Committtee meeting on Tuesday
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OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: Missouri cattle ranchers are suffering from the recent drought- perhaps more than many realize.

At the House Agriculture Policy Committee meeting, Miller County Regional Stockyard owner Wendy Cantrell teared up just talking about the issues cattle farmers are facing.

Actuality:	CANTR2.WAV
Run Time:	00:18
Description: "Very few of 'em know what you all are talking about. They just, they just don't have a clue. They come into me and they're 60 some years old and they got tears in their eyes, and they say, I gotta sell. I have no choice. I gotta sell. We have a serious problem."

Many cattle ranchers use hay and grass to feed their livestock. The drought is driving prices of these materials up, forcing many ranchers to make the tough decision to sell their livestock or go bankrupt.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Taylor Beck.

Intro:	Cattle ranchers' woes were exposed at the House Agriculture Policy Committee meeting on Tuesday
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OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: A tearful testimony at the House Agriculture Policy Committee meeting brought to attention the serious affect the drought is having on livestock owners.

Miller County Regional Stockyard owner Wendy Cantrell says it's a major issue.

Actuality:	CANTR6.WAV
Run Time:	00:16
Description: "I think it's a little more serious than people are really looking at. I could be out of business, you all could be out of business, your side and strickers, your crown power, all of these people depend on us."

Many ranchers feed with grass and hay, and those prices have increased since the drought.

It's making it nearly impossible for livestock owners to stay financially afloat.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Taylor Beck.

Intro:	Tuesday's emotional Agriculture Policy Committee meeting sheds light on cattle ranchers' struggle
RunTime:	0:44
OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: Missouri's drought is causing cattle ranchers a world of trouble.

Most feed with hay or grass, and the prices of these increased with the lack of rainfall.

Committee Chairman Tom Loehner of Koeltztown says livestock owners get less attention than crop growers, but are seriously hurting.

Actuality:	CANTR5.WAV
Run Time:	00:16
Description: "If you look at farming. Definition, or a picture of farming and you ask anybody that isn't involved with farming very mcuh, and you ask them what farming is? Their first impression will be a tractor, combine, or something in the grain farming, you never hardly ever hear about the cow farmers or the hog farmers, it's all about the grain."

Crop growers face issues with the drought, but have more insurance. Cattle ranchers must make a tough decision to sell their livestock or go bankrupt.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Taylor Beck.