Cattle ranchers in the Midwest face some tough decisions as their pastures bake with little to no rain. Many cattle ranchers are asking themselves if they can afford to feed their full herd, or if they should sell their cattle, perhaps earlier than they’d like. 

This week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture declared many farming communities disaster zones, including the entire state of Missouri. Host Kai Ryssdal talks with Ken Lenox, a fifth-generation cattle rancher in Rolla, Mo.