Every time we get weather like this (most notably the ice storms/blizzards in 2007) I think of the poor cattle, stuck outside and having to live through this horrible weather. And while today I saw Austin and Nolan, all too often I've watched my husband and father-in-law trudge that same path as they work to care for cattle in all kinds of weather. I also have to note that I helped one time (which is why the blizzard in 2007 sticks out in my head). Not only did I hate every second of shoveling ice covered, heavy snow out of bunks, but a cow stole my scarf. However, that's a story for another day.
While it's not feasible to bring the cattle into my house to make sure they're safe and warm (they're not house-trained, and I'm not cleaning that crap up...literally), my husband has assured me on many occasions that they do everything they can to make sure the cattle are well cared for. Not just during poor weather, but all year round so that the cattle are better equipped to handle different weather conditions as well as maintain overall good health.
Here is what they do before, during, and directly after any bad weather:
- Allow shelter for the animals
whenever possible
- Construct wind breaks,
keeping away cold wind and allowing the animals to be warmer
- Ensure all ice dams are
broken. This allows any rainfall to run out of the lots and into the manure management sediment basins and filter strips
- After the storm place fresh
bedding in the pens to allow for a warm, dry place to lay
- In extreme events, occasionally add some antibiotics for a day just to help the animals get over the high stress period. This prevents a portion of the animals from getting sick and increasing the chances of death
 |
| Cattle hanging out in the shed during today's rain |
 |
| Part of a wind break |
Throughout the rest of the year, they do other stuff too:
- Concrete in pens to allow animals a
solid footing. This is kept as clean as possible to provide a dry surface,
out of any mud, for animals to walk
- Earthen mounds that are
re-built annually. These create spaces for water to quickly drain and
provides additional shelter from the wind.
- Heated fresh-water tanks in
each pen, allowing cattle access to good water 24/7
- Work with a Nutritionist to
actively monitor feed rations. Cattle generate heat based on their
stomachs and how the internal bacteria breaks down various feed products.
Partnering with a good Nutritionist allows for cattle to receive the
best combination of rations
Caring for the cattle is not only a moral responsibility, but these are the animals that feed our family and families all over the U.S. If they can't stay warm and dry in my living room, at least I know they're being taken care of by some of the best guys around.
