Despite recent rains, drying pastures and low water levels are forcing some southwest Iowa cattle producers to sell their stock. Livestock barns report heavier-than-normal cattle sales. A Creston livestock barn reports sales 35-percent higher than in previous years. A video-conference meeting last night linked producers in 30 Iowa locations. Russ Bredahl (brah-DOLL’) is an Iowa State University Extension field specialist. Bredahl says producers in last night’s discussion were searching for options on getting more feed to their cattle. Bredahl says the conditions in southwest Iowa are the worst he’s seen this early in the season. He says some pastures in the region are beyond help. Last night’s meeting was carried over the Iowa Communications Network.