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ABERDEEN, S.D. (AP) Some northeast South Dakota ranchers are being forced to leave their cattle in pastures longer than normal because they do not have enough feed available back at the ranch.

That is because unusually wet conditions have delayed the corn harvest, and ranchers do not have cornstalks available.

Marshall County livestock extension educator Tyler Melroe says delivery of feed also has been a challenge because of the soggy conditions. Melroe says some farmers have had to leave piles of silage at the ends of their fields.

Dennis Feickert does commercial hay hauling, and says he has to be selective about where he goes because of the muddy conditions.

He expects to still be hauling hay in January.

Information from: Aberdeen American News, http://www.aberdeennews.com (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-25-09 1042CST | save this article / add to your favorites list