As beef prices climb, ranchers watch out for cattle theft

Across the country, cattle prices continue to climb. That means profits for some ranchers — and huge potential payoffs for cattle thieves. Drought in states like Texas and Oklahoma caused the cost of feed to rise, forcing ranchers to sell off their cattle stock. Now that feed prices are back down this fall, ranchers are looking to replenish their dwindling herds — and since cattle supply is low, that demand is driving the cost way up. NPR talked to TSCRA Special Ranger Wayne Goodman about the cost of cattle theft to ranchers, and the ways to prevent becoming a victim. Read or listen to the story at National Public Radio…