Livestock losses from last year’s October blizzard that devastated herds in Western South Dakota now total over 43,000 head. South Dakota State Veterinarian Dr. Dustin Oedekoven says voluntary reports to his office had put the total at 22,000 head but the Livestock group’s relief fund officials report 600 ranchers being helped and more losses from the storm.
Oedekoven says the ranchers relief fund has done an excellent job of helping west river producers start to rebuild their herds and recover from the blizzard.
Ranchers also received some positive news this week when South Dakota Senator John Thune reported he’s pushing USDA to get out livestock disaster payments included in the recently passed farm bill hopefully as soon as April.
