Last week’s spring blizzard that hit northwestern South Dakota and western North Dakota proved to be deadly for new born calves. Reports of up to 40 inches of snow creating drifts several feet deep, caused many calves to die. Karl Hoppe is a North Dakota State University Extension Livestock Specialist and says he has heard from several ranchers that lost calves due to the blizzard.
Hoppe says there could be some calves that haven’t been accounted for as yet because they are buried under a snow drift. Hoppe says calf mortality may still occur weeks after the snow storm.
The NDSU Livestock Specialist hasn’t heard of any reports of cows with frozen udders as a result of the storm, but says, it is a possibility. Hoppe suggests those producers with losses should contact their Farm Services Agency office and inquire about the Livestock Indemnity Fund.
For those cattle producers with death losses, Hoppe suggests they look at composting options. Hoppe says another spring blizzard is forecast for the same area later this week.
