How droughts are threatening the future of cattle

Each summer, areas of the United States grapple with drought. In July alone, the nation already saw 48 states facing abnormally low rainfall, increasing 9.8% since last month. Similarly, 73.8 million people across the nation have been affected by drought this week.

What does this data mean for major cattle producers across North America? For most, it brings a conversation about water scarcity to the table, as well as a desperate call for help.

From parched pastures to diminishing hay supplies, cattle ranchers are experiencing one of the most critical climate-related challenges of today’s age. Yet, while droughts have been a common issue for many years, the unpredictability and frequency of these dry spells are gradually becoming more severe. Because of this, already-strained cattle industries are at great risk.

“Cattle are the cornerstone of rural livelihood and food security around the world. For generations, they’ve powered economies, nourished communities, and sustained ranching families through good years and hard ones,” Andrew Coppin said, CEO of Ranchbot.

A lack of water brings a number of implications forward. Factors like crop failure and food shortage impact not just cattle, but also human populations, putting a strain on much of the environment. Without rain, livestock cannot be sustained, putting attention on many ranchers to adapt to the effects of this climate change.

“Healthy cattle depend on consistent, clean water, as does every part of the operation that supports them. In today’s climate, safeguarding our herds means getting smarter about how we monitor, manage, and value every drop,” Coppin added.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, there are 27.9 million beef cows in the U.S. as of January 1, which is down 1% from last year. As it shows, cattle numbers across the nation are dropping, due in part that they rely on a large supply of water to survive. And as communities like the Great Plains and the Southwest are particularly low in water sources, states have led to emergency declarations and water restrictions for agriculture.

The rippling of this crisis extends far beyond the ranch. As cattle producers lose their animals because of drought, market prices fluctuate and long-term supply stability is jeopardized.

For instance, beef prices have recently hit record highs. As of May 2025, the average price of a pound of ground beef is $5.98, a 16% increase from the year prior, says recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Similarly, finer meats, such as sirloin steak, have reached $12.21 per pound, a 5.62% increase from last year. If this current pattern continues, that means consumers could see volatility in pricing and supply for years, with uncertainty as to how long this era could last.

More concerning, though, is the broad threat this problem poses on food security amongst the general population. With cattle playing such a pivotal role in the economy, persistent drought could disrupt not just domestic food systems, but international trade as well.

Despite the many challenges, ranchers are taking aim to make smarter choices when it comes to managing their cattle. Among one of the most resilient stewards of the land, they are finding ways to track water and soil conditions–a vital workaround from this serious drought issue.

Innovations like remote water monitoring, soil moisture meters, and hyper-local weather tools are helping some farmers stay ahead of the climate conditions. Though they are not a cure-all, such efforts have been a quick solution while more systemic support, such as climate research and infrastructure improvement, comes into play.

Ultimately, the cattle industry is approaching a major tipping point. If industry leaders do not prioritize longevity and sustainability for cattle producers, the consequences could be devastating. Nonetheless, our American population, our environment, and our livelihood is at stake.

The time to address water scarcity is now.