NEWELL, S.D. (AP) - South Dakota cattle ranchers are being forced to sell off sheep due to the lack of feed, and most are getting lower prices than in 2011.
Saint Onge Livestock sheep yard manager Barney Barnes said prices were way higher last year.
Barnes says that in 2011, some sheep were selling for $2.40 a pound. This year, the price has dropped to 85 cents to $1.10.
The likely reason is the market is flooded with sheep already at the slaughterhouses.
Hulett, Wyo., rancher Will West recently unloaded a trailer full of older ewe sheep to the Newell sheep yard. He says he's bringing them in because of the drought.
Sheep and cattle rancher Jack Orwick says he's in it for the long haul.
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