Higher Prices Bring Better Year for La Junta, Colo.-Area Cattlemen.

Byline: Anthony A. Mestas

Oct. 12--LA JUNTA, Colo.--External market forces have reversed the flow of cattle from Southern Colorado. After selling off much of their herds during last year's drought, cattlemen are buying again to supply a booming market for beef.

Jace Honey of the La Junta Livestock Commission reports that the market is almost double last year.

"There are three things that are a lot different from last year," Honey said.

There was decent moisture in the spring.

There was a shortage of cattle because of the drought which raised prices.

Imports of Canadian cattle were banned when a case of mad cow disease …