(KOLN/KGIN TV, Lincoln, G.I.) -- The effects of the rocky economy have been felt around the nation for quite some time. Now, Nebraska's cattle industry is feeling the pinch. As commodity prices fluctuate, and input costs rise, cattle producers are finding it much more difficult to survive the tough economic times. "Outside factors are influencing us in the cattle business," said Todd Schroeder of the Nebraska Cattlemen. Just like other start-up businesses, feeding cattle takes a lot of capital, which is becoming more difficult to get with the nation's current economic situation. According to the Nebraska Cattlemen, Nebraska is the largest producer of beef per square mile. Nebraska also ranks number two in live animal and meat exports, and harvests 7 million head annually.
