The Northern Plains is experiencing an arctic blast this week with dangerous wind chills as low as minus 60-degrees into Thursday. This means livestock producers need step up their herd management. SDSU Extension Veterinarian Dr. Russ Daly says during the cold snap its critical livestock have adequate water and nutrition.

He says rations need to be adjusted during the extreme cold, particularly for the younger animals.

Daly says when the temperature dips to 20 below zero, calves need a 50-percent increase in their feed intake.

Daly says they have weather resource information available at their website or producers can check with their local county extension educators.