Ore. Ranchers: Politics Have Become Part of Industry

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Summer is supposed to be beef's

best-selling season. But for many ranchers, the recession puts

pressure on an industry trying to find its place in a new age.

Ups and downs are expected in agriculture. But this time, the

economic downturn hits at the same time the government is moving

toward tighter regulations, consumers are getting choosier and

environmental concerns are growing.

Ken Holliday runs a 10,000-acre ranch near John Day. he says

it's never been an easy way to make a living. But now, ranchers are

wondering why they ever wanted to live off the cattle industry.

In 2008, ranchers paid record high prices for corn, hay and

feed. At the same time, they saw beef prices drop because of

competition from poultry and pork and because people worldwide are

eating less meat.

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Information from: The Oregonian, http://www.oregonlive.com

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

AP-NY-07-12-09 1506EDT