The drought hurt fodder production at the same time damaging grazing land and in some cases, ranchers can't find or afford hay to replace bales that were stolen. For instance, in Texas, the cost of an 800-pound bale of hay is about $150, roughly twice as much as it was at this time last year.
Some Ranchers have started breaking fences of neighbours or leaving their gates open to let their cattle graze on greener pastures. Thefts of livestock and other materials are being reported in the region as the ranchers are struggling to stay in business.
In some cases, stealing a neighbor's grass may be the only alternative for the ranchers to feed livestock. Some farmers in Missouri have tried to deter thieves by painting bales of hay bold colors to help identify stolen bales sitting on others' property.