"In Ranchers Vs. Weeds, Climate Change Gives Weeds An Edge"

"Most climate models a bleak picture of the Great Plains a century from now as a hot region besieged by heavy rainstorms and flooding. And new studies suggest that climate change may bring farmers another headache: more invasive plants.

Ask most Midwestern and Rocky Mountain ranchers about the weeds they pull their hair out over and be prepared for . There's cheat grass in Nebraska, red brome in Utah and yellow star thistle in California.

And they can't count on cattle to gobble them up. Depending on the plant, most cattle either don't want to eat it or could get sick if they do."

Luke Runyon reports for NPR's All Things Considered March 25, 2014.