Drought Spurs Cattle Herd Cuts in Panama and Alpine Regions

Ranchers in Panama Oeste are cutting their herds as the El Niño-driven dry season worsens. They are selling animals at auction and lowering‑value cattle to preserve breeding females, citing low water reserves in springs and wells and forecasts that rains will not return until December. Donatilo Tejada, president of the National Association of Cattle Ranchers (ANAGAN) in the province, warned that without water‑conservation measures the loss of livestock could exceed previous events.

Across the Alpine arc, Swiss, Austrian and French farmers face a persistent drought that has dried streams and stunted grass growth. Many are moving cows down from high‑altitude pastures earlier than usual, using water trucks, fans and occasional helicopter deliveries, though the latter are costly. Jeanette Jöhl of Switzerland and Franz Waldenberger of Austria described the heat stress on cattle and the logistical and financial strain on mountain farms.