Cultural shift: Record beef prices don't keep Texas ranchers from seeking alternative income

Ranchers across Texas have gotten creative with their land after drought conditions decimated cattle numbers in the nation's leading production state.

Many ranchers in Texas are opening up their pastures to hunters, while others are selling water to oil companies or desert plants and mistletoe to nurseries.

2011 was the state's driest year on record, causing ranchers to heavily cull their herds. The reduced numbers have contributed to record high beef prices.

West Texas rancher John R. Anderson said he's keeping an open mind on ways to recoup profits he lost when he moved his cattle to other states.

North Texas rancher Mandy Dauses has taken a full-time job to cope with thinner profit margins.