ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, N.C. (WGHP) — Local livestock farmers are dealing with extreme drought conditions and worry that if nothing changes soon, they could face the effects for the next few years.
“In farming, we have challenges every day,” said John Barnes, owner of Bravo Steaks and Bravo Cattle.
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John and his wife Emily have faced those challenges head-on since they got married 12 years ago. The first-generation farming couple runs their meat company out of Rockingham County and manages about 500 acres of leased and owned land. On that land, they care for 100 to 200 cows, 100 ewes and pigs.
This year, things have felt especially challenging.
“The drought started back in the fall and lasted through the winter,” John said. “With livestock, we still count on the ground.”…