TRYING TIMES

摘要

A Wyoming ranch family chronicles its deliberations, decisions and goals, trying to make it work in a year ravaged by extreme drought.By 5 a.m., my dad Tom can be found on the couch: pen, paper, calculator and notebook in one hand, a strong cup of coffee in the other. He steadfastly puts his ag economics degree to use, running the numbers on whatever latest idea he or another member ofmy family has come up with to survive the drought searing Eastern Wyoming this year. As of mid July, Wyoming's largest salebarn, Torrington Livestock Market, reported sales up 940% compared to normal. The barn typically sells about 3,500 head in May, and this year sold 18,500 head. Normal June marketings are about 1,800 head, but were over 17,000 head this year. To date, the barn is up about 32,000 head from a year ago.