Page 6 - MWC 02-25-2021s

Winter Storm Impacts Cattle, The Midwest Cattleman · February 25, 2021 · P6

Cowboys and Markets

By Derrell Peel - Oklahoma State University
A massive and extended provide water and feed access for ice ahead
winter blast has engulfed the cattle. These conditions require of snow,
southern plains before spread- near continuous efforts to chop producing
ing across much of the Delta and ice and provide feed. Cattle nu- more dan-
mid-south then ultimately affect- tritional requirements are sharp- gerous hy-
ing most of the eastern half of the ly boosted in this weather and pothermia
country. producers must consider both the conditions
The extended cold tempera- quantity and quality of feed. typical
tures began a week ago with Cattle will not be physically of winter
most of Oklahoma already en- able to consume enough medi- storms in
during continuous sub-freezing um to low quality hay to provide the south. percent last week with lower de-
temperatures for 150 to over sufficient energy in these condi- This storm is likely ahead of mand more than offsetting sharp-
200 hours as of Monday morning tions and must receive additional most calving in Oklahoma but ly reduced sales volumes. Wheat
(February 15). Temperatures in supplement or high-quality hay. if calving is in progress, the ex- pasture cattle and other stockers
early week are reaching record In some cases, deep snow may treme cold is a significant risk. are no doubt experiencing re-
sub-zero levels with wind chill prevent cattle from accessing Newborn calves can experience duced gains or even weight loss
values of -25 to -30 degrees Fahr- standing forage, especially since frozen ears and tails, marking in these conditions. Many cattle
enheit. Oklahoma cattle are not used to them for life as a cold weather grazing dual-purpose wheat will
Temperatures are expected foraging through snow. survivor. These calves are fre- need to be removed and market-
to remain below freezing for at If there is a silver lining in quently discounted at marketing ed in the next two to three weeks,
least another 100 hours. Snow this storm, it is that conditions due to buyer fears of foot damage very likely a bit lighter in weight
totals of four to ten inches have are cold but relatively dry. The and other injuries that may im- than expected.
accumulated with more snow ex- snow that has fallen has not, for pact the calves later in life. Once Feedlot cattle are no doubt im-
pected mid-week. This storm is the most part, penetrated the calves are dry and feeding, they pacted as well and the market ef-
unprecedented in Oklahoma due hair coat of cattle keeping the can endure the cold, dry weath- fects will be apparent over time.
to both the record cold tempera- hide dry. With adequate feed er pretty well and may, in fact, Reduced performance will show
tures and the duration of cold. and water, cattle can handle this be insulated by dry fluffy snow up as lower carcass weights in
I’m having flashbacks to my for- type of cold weather relatively when bedded down. the coming weeks. The residual
mative years caring for cattle in well. These conditions are more Several auction markets in impacts of this historic weather
Montana winters. typical of the central and north- Oklahoma and other areas closed event will likely effect cattle mar-
The brunt of the storm im- ern plains and Rocky Mountain last week and many will be closed kets for several weeks.
pacts are directly borne by cattle areas. Areas south and east of this week. Oklahoma feeder cat-
producers who are struggling to Oklahoma are receiving rain and tle prices dropped three to ten