1.   If the drought continues, officials fear it could drive cattle producers and farmers out of business permanently.

2.   Already, signs are appearing that cattle producers are culling their herds.

3.   But most cattle producers are not big on theoretical economics.

4.   But the British Treasury and trade balance will be hit hard by measures likely to benefit other European cattle producers.

5.   Cattle producers are now aiming for lean meat, not the marbled, more flavorful meat that makes it to the prime designation.

6.   However, Brink said many cattle producers suspect that the lag time this year is being prolonged by most packers, distributors and retailers to reap extra-large profits.

7.   In fact, the drought that continues its grip on Texas and the Plains states comes at a time when cattle producers are facing their lowest prices in years.

8.   Normally, cattle producers can avoid high corn prices by switching to more use of wheat, hay or grass in pastures.

9.   Orange growers, cattle producers and even wineries, industry analysts say.