Snow in October in South Dakota, isn’t really that unusual. But the winter storm that hit South Dakota this past weekend literally wreaked havoc. Not just in the form of shutting down the Black Hills – where, mind you – they’re used to lots of snow, but it may well ruin lives, careers and everything ranchers have worked so hard to establish. I’m going to do my best to explain how what you’re seeing in the news (or not seeing as the case may be for some of you), happened.
In South Dakota, the herds are mainly Spring Calvers. Which means that sometime between March and May, the cows will calve, and then in the fall – usually between the middle of September and November, ranchers sell their calves that they worked so hard to raise all year. The work starts with calving, and ends with fall shots (as far as your calves are concerned). However, work on a ranch is never really done. There’s hay to be made, fences to be fixed and built, branding to do, pre-conditioning shots to give, heifers to wean, pregnancy testing, gathering bulls, horses to train, and feeding to be done in the winter. These are clearly NOT listed in the order in which they’re done – they’re just a list.
A few years ago I broke down the process of how a rancher gets paid. So this storm had terrible, terrible timing.
The estimates coming in so far are that 5%- 20% of the cattle herd in Western South Dakota are gone. Many ranchers lost 50% of the herd, and some, by unconfirmed reports, lost 2/3 or more. Those most affected by the storm are saying that 20-50% of their herds are gone. In South Dakota, there are 5 beef cattle for every state resident, and in total, the annual inventory is almost 4 million cow/calf pairs.
To add further insult to injury because there’s been no farm bill passed in several years, the disaster assistance once available to these ranchers is currently non-existent. This time of year we’ve got notes coming due. Which we pay when we sell our calves, and our open cows (cows that are not bred). These ranchers may well find themselves with only half of their calves to sell, and 20-50% of their mama cows dead – Cows that were bred to pay next year’s bills.
Cattle are smart- they travel with the wind, and they will find a place to get out of it- be it a draw, or a creek or a windbreak. We only got the rain (complete with wind-chills in the teens) – between 4.5 and 6 inches of it. But further west than here, they got pummeled with 12 hours of rain (with windchills in the teens), then 48 hours of snow, enough snow that the hiding places for many of the cattle were filled in, burying them.
Those that lost cattle are being asked to document the losses, in case the federal government ever does get over being dysfunctional.
Cattle literally litter US Highways 212, and 34 and draws/creeks West of our Reservation. Warning: Graphic images.
The economic impact of this blizzard is yet unknown, but it will affect this state (as we are the #5 cattle producing state in the nation) and some estimates have said the cost may reach into the billions*.
Today, in South Dakota, there’s ranchers wishing for “Happy Trails”, and there’s none for them to take. Please keep these people in your thoughts and prayers.
As for us, we lost a few but fared better than most.
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Update: if you’re interested in seeing how you can help, please go here.
Update: Why would an October Blizzard Kill Cattle?
I just saw some of the pictures and it breaks my heart too. I actually thought about you the other day when I saw news about the snow storm and cows dying. I was wondering if ya’ll got all the snow too. I hope the government will step up and help some how. I’m so sorry they have to go through that.
I know you spoke about cattle losses but I’m curios, what about horse herds. Are there reports of ranchers losing a lot of their horses or even wild horses dying from it?
I’ve asked about the wild horse herd in the Black Hills of SD but have heard nothing yet. As for horses dying, yes. My friend in Faith lost 12 horses, and I heard a report (unconfirmed) of an entire herd of horses perishing. I cannot imagine finding either scene.
Aww that’s so sad! I’ll be praying for all the animals and ranchers!
Prayers are with South Dakota right now!
Amazing the floods, hurricanes and other natural disasters make the news but the snow storms are overlooked by our media. Many heartfelt prayers being sent to those in SD.
Thank you for explaining; very sad news, always in our prayers
Sending prayers to South Dakota ranchers and farmers–my kids show my dad’s cattle for 4-H and when we heard about the blizzard, my 11 year old daughter asked what would happen to all the cows still on pasture? I was hoping that this was not the answer, heartbreaking! I pray that God will provide for all the families affected until better times come because only He knows the plans for us.
So sorry for the staggering loss of life of these poor animals!
Simply heartbreaking…
What can people do to help? Will there be a donation fund set up for the worst affected? Gotta take care of each other…
-dairy cow & meat goat farmer in NYS who wants to help
The best thing to do right now is to call your congressmen and senators and tell them to pass a farm bill. The house version would provide 75% of the market value for the animal; the senate version 65%. I think we should ask for 75%. There is a donation fund set up. And there is a link at the bottom of this page.
There are relief funds being set up to assist. You can start with the SD Stockmen’s Assn. They should be able to help answer questions regarding donation.
Sad, but necessary to remind everyone, if you are donating, do due diligence in making sure the fund is legitimate and that proceeds will go to the producers.
Thanks, Cowhorse – I’m actually behind the scenes working on fundraising for the Rancher Relief Fund. I appreciate you taking the time and stopping by! 😉
South Dakota Cowgirl~ so very sad..
On another note, delete some of these posts. They only speak hate. Words matter.
Thanks, Jeanne for your support!
I am so terribly sorry about your losses. I pray God will heal your anger and take care of you. God is the only way.
If he brought you to it… He WILL bring you through it. He promises.