Texas Sees The Lowest Number Of Cattle Since The Early 1950's. - 12 News KBMT and K-JAC. News, Weather and Sports for SE Texas

As you're making your way through the grocery store you may have noticed the price of beef and dairy products going up; and there's a reason for it.

Lack of rain and high feed costs in Texas are resulting in the lowest number of cattle since the early 1950's.

As of January, here in Texas, there were about 1.4 million fewer cows than last year.

That's because the aftermath of the epic drought back in 2011 is still lingering into 2013.

With ranches not producing enough grass needed to keep up with their herds; ranchers are either having to sell off their cattle or pour more money into keeping them fed.

Because of that, the price of beef and even some dairy products are on the rise.

Unless the state gets more rain or until supply and demand hit bottom we might not see a major change in cattle herds anytime soon.

"The animals have to be fed just like humans or anybody else so we're always thinking, are we gong to have enough feed for the next six months or year," said Central Texas rancher Kevin Huffman.

"We think beef will always be part of the American diet, but as we continue to go through these drought cycles right now we have a really tough time trying to make the management decision to keep some of these herds going," said Texas Farm Bureau Spokesman Gene Hall.

On average, it costs 200 to 300 dollars a year to take care of one cow.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in October, the price for a pound of lean ground beef averaged $4.11 up 30 cents from a year earlier.

and a USDA choice sirloin steak cost about $6.75 a pound, up 43 cents from a year earlier.