KIMBALL, S.D. (DRG News) – There’s plenty of moisture in the soil across most of South Dakota and cattle producers are hoping that translates into lush, green pastures this year.

Kimball Livestock Exchange co-owner Chad Heezen says the grassland needs sunshine and warmer temperatures to get growing.

He says all the moisture the past few months has made calving season tough.

Heezen says a recent tanking of cattle prices is adding to the stress on cattlemen and women.

He says while not the hardest hit sector of agriculture, the current global trade situation isn’t doing the cattle industry any favors.