News

Ranchers in the county struggle in the recent cold temperatures

By Scott Wagar

01/14/2014

With the recent deadly Polar Vortex that struck the nation it took every state in the country below the freezing mark and left hardships for everyone who encountered the cold weather.

However, agricultural producers saw even a more difficult time with the cold temperatures, including Bottineau County.

“With the colder weather that we have experienced over the past weeks, it puts added pressure on the farmers to help ensure that the cattle can stay warm and out of the wind. For the most part throughout the county, the cattle have made it through this cold spell the county and most of the Midwest had experienced,” said Jared Nelson, county agent for the Bottineau County Extension Service.

“There was one report that I heard about a calf that had been dealing with pneumonia that was unable to make it through the cold weather. Other than that report though, the cattle have been doing fine and seem to be healthy,” he continued.

Nelson added that livestock producers had to increase the amount of hay, silage and other feeds they utilize to feed their cattle, but at the present time farmers have not had to go out and purchase additional feed or hay for their cattle.

However, future complications for cattle producers could be called into question if another cold snap comes.

“This could possibly lead to issues later on in the winter if another cold spell like this one hits the state again,” Nelson said.