As a winter snowstorm swept across the United States bringing freezing temperatures, heavy snowfall, and harsh conditions, livestock owners proved once again that dedication to agriculture doesn’t stop when winter weather arrives.
While many stayed indoors to stay warm, farmers across the plains were checking cattle, feeding livestock, breaking ice on water tanks, and making sure animals stayed safe and healthy. Despite frozen hands and snow-covered boots, these students understood that livestock depend on them, no matter the conditions.
Michael Pritchard a Meeker FFA freshman states, “Cold weather and especially cold and wet weather increase the energy needs of animals. FFA members with livestock projects need to provide extra shelter, feed and care when these conditions occur. This also increases the expense of caring for a livestock SAE project”. His dedication to his livestock and show projects have been proven and rewarded through success at livestock shows. Projects like his are not able to reach national recognition without caring for them year round.
Pritchard says his extra chores are putting out extra hay for the cattle, increasing supplemental feed and cutting ice on the ponds. If the wind is going to be strong he makes sure that his cattle have a wind break and put hay near the trees or create a windbreak with round bales of hay. It is also necessary to clean snow out of feed troughs and to put eyes on every head of cattle, especially calves and expectant cows to check for illness and signs of stress. Cattle in lots need shelter and heating elements in the tanks and ice cut if necessary. All animals need clean fresh water so any hoses used must be drained and taken off the faucets after every use to reduce the possibility of freezing.
Meeker sophomore, Stevie Buoy, says “It’s important to shovel snow out of cattle feed troughs after a big snowstorm so the animals can actually reach and eat their feed. When snow packs into the troughs, it can block access, dilute or spoil the feed as it melts, and reduce how much nutrition the cattle get.” By clearing the snow she was able to keep feed clean and dry during the storm. This encourages consistent eating, and supports the cattle’s health and energy levels in cold weather when they need more calories to stay warm.