No, it sure didn’t! When the temperatures start dropping below zero, farmers not only have to deal with the cold temperatures while feeding their livestock, they also have to make sure the waterers, creeks or ponds don’t freeze over, that their tractors start so they are able to feed the livestock and that their livestock has a place to shelter them from the elements.
Last February, I told you how we prepared for a big snowstorm. We had to do a lot of the same things then, but we didn’t have to deal with the frigid temps that time.
Knowing that the temperatures were going to be below freezing and near -30 to -40 with the windchill, Kevin needed to make sure they had plenty of hay to eat and moved a few around so that they would have protection from the high winds that would be sweeping over our area.
Cubes, which provide extra protein and energy to keep the cattle warm, would also be given to the cattle during these cold days.
As long as the cattle are well fed, have access to water and are able to get to some protection (i.e. wind breaks) they can usually withstand really cold temps.
Luckily this cold snap is only suppose to last through today. Tomorrow the high is suppose to be 26 and mostly sunny, so that will help a lot!
What have the temperatures been where you are? How are you staying warm?
Wow, more power to you, I’m in El Cajon (San Diego County Inland) and we are whining about it being in the mid 30’s at night, a little space heater beside my easel and I’m good. 🙂 I hope this cold spell is a short one for you and all of the beautiful cows!
Thanks Denise! It has warmed up a little. It’s in the teens and 20’s now! Stay warm in CA!
Hope you guys are staying warm. Tonight doing chores the -30 temps felt pretty good compared to -45 this morning. I like your red baldy. Do you guys use Simmentals for all your bulls?
http://www.crystalcattle.com
Crystal-Our red baldy’s name is Doug. 🙂 And no, we don’t use Simmentals for all of our bulls. More Angus than anything!
Lol, I think Doug is a great name. Our Hereford bull that sells at Beef Expo next week is named Parker!
Thanks Crystal! We let one of our “city” friends name him when he was a young bull and it has just stuck! Doug is our son, HD’s, favorite bull!
We had wind chills of -50 consistently yesterday. Today is much better. Good luck keeping your cows and family healthy and warm this winter.
Val-
Brrrr! How miserable! Nothing seems to work when it’s that cold! Ugh! Hopefully it’s warming up for you now!
Love the pictures to really show that we DO do all this for our cattle! 🙂
Thanks Kellie!
I’m from iowa too. It’s really cold here tonight. I’m ready for spring. I love your pictures and your blog :)))
Yes, I’m ready for spring too Jay! Thanks for the comment!