A lack of water and precipitation this year is hitting local cattle ranchers hard.

Because of the drought, officials at the Western Slope Cattlemen's Livestock Auction in Loma say they have seen a record number of cattle come through their gates to be sold this year.

During a normal week, officials say they expect to see anywhere between 200 and 300 animals up for bid. For the past few weeks, they have been averaging up to 1,500 animals at their sales.

Officials say ranchers are struggling to feed their livestock because pastures are not 'greening up.' As a result, they are being forced to sell their cattle before they die.

While it means good business for the sale barn right now, officials are afraid of what it will translate into years down the road.

"Sure, it makes us money this week," Doug Martin with the sale barn said. "But, we need these guys to stay in business because we depend on them for income year-round for the next ten years."

"It's going to be really hard for them to build back up quickly," he added.

Officials say some of the cattle that they are seeing sold at auction would not normally be sold for at least another five years. In a drought, it becomes much more expensive for ranchers to feed their animals.

For many with livestock, it is also cutting into their retirement savings. Many people invest in cattle to support themselves later in life.