Hayes Center Ag Economy Steers Business and Community - KHGI-TV/KWNB-TV/KHGI-CD-Grand Island, Kearney, Hastings

It's no secret that this year's drought has had an effect on everything, but when you're a rural community like Hayes Center that thrives on its agricultural heritage, it's hard not to take notice.

The drought has affected everything from more corn being put up for silage to cattle being weaned earlier; all in some part making local businesses suffer.

Ag educators say these problems are forcing people to make changes for the future.

"I think the management skills will really sharpen up," said Vocational Ag Instructor Tracy Cooper. "That we will find alternative ways to keep the income coming in to the community and into the farm business."

In the mean time, community members continue to work closely with ag producers and businesses to get through tough times.