PHOTOS: March Spring Storm in Midwest Causing Major, Ongoing Issues for Ranchers | TSLN.com

PHOTOS: March Spring Storm in Midwest Causing Major, Ongoing Issues for Ranchers

Cattle try to find a place out of the wind and snow near Martin, SD. Photo by Jamie Schomp

Meteorologists have said it is like a hurricane over the plains. The March 13-14 storm has wreaked havoc on most of the plains and midwest states with rain, sleet, snow, wind, mud, flooding and freezing temperatures while many producers are in the thick of calving and lambing.

Boe Kottwitz rides through the creek after checking cows on the Rennard Ranch near Lusk, Wyoming. Photo by Savanna Simmons

Amanda Radke: "At our place near Mitchell, S.D., it was freezing rain all day March 13, and March 14 brought more snow, wind and white-out conditions. The real challenge is going to be in the days to come. With warmer weather expected in the 10-day forecast, my fear is when all of this snow melts, the flooding will be catastrophic for many. The timing of this storm coincides with calving season, and the conditions have made for a difficult 48 hours so far."

Cattle are ready for the sunshine. Photo by Jamie Schomp near Martin, SD
Photo by Savanna Simmons
Cauy Pennington standing on a drift behind the calving barn. Abbott Ranch, Kiowa, Colorado. Photo courtesy Pennington family

Edwin Vavra from Milligan, Neb., moving cattle out of floodwaters. The cows were moved to safety on higher ground. Edwin is the fourth generation to live on his farm which borders Turkey Creek. Edwin has lived in the same house all 76 years of his life. Photo by Beth Vavra
Near Casper, Wyoming. Photo by Jennifer DeFreece Rodgers, Barbed Wire Photography
Near Casper, Wyoming. Photo by Jennifer DeFreece Rodgers, Barbed Wire Photography
Photo by Tina Palmer
“Need bigger calf shelters! Digging calves out at Selby, SD.” Photo by Lazy TV Ranch
Near Pierre, SD. Photo by Therese Volmer
“Some of our bulls braving it at Vaad Ranch Oacoma – a lull in the wind so they came out for breakfast.” Photo by Loaun Vaad
Photo by Jamie Schomp
Photo by Jamie Schomp
Photo by Dustin Buffington

 

Dale Vocu with Three Mile Creek Rodeo Co. shared a video of hand-digging stock out of snow near Kyle, South Dakota. Vocu says they were able to get both animals out.

Recommended Stories For You