1.   Analysts had expected the surge in corn prices to lead to reduced demand from hog farmers, usually the first group to be winnowed out by higher feed costs.

2.   And their foraging skills are another thing in their favor, saving on feed costs.

3.   Anticipation of higher feed costs limited purchases of feeder cattle today, analysts said.

4.   A few hog producers sold their animals altogether instead of fighting rising feed costs.

5.   But because of the higher feed costs prompted by the drought, those prices will soon be even higher.

6.   Cattle raisers, faced with higher feed costs, will likely feed fewer animals, eventually making meat less plentiful and more costly at the supermarket, Schnittker said.

7.   Cattle prices rose as weaker grain prices reduced feed costs, easing the threat farmers would reduce their herds.

8.   Cattle prices rose as weaker grain prices reduced feed costs, easing the threat ranchers would reduce their herds.

9.   Competitive pressures, high feed costs, and the demand for prime, specialty beef have forced more farmers and ranchers to drive their herds into the electronic frontier.

10.   Competitive pressures, high feed costs and the demand for prime, specialty beef have forced more farmers and ranchers to drive their herds into the electronic frontier.