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Information courtesy of Lancy Huck, SW Kansas Extension Specialist, Livestock Production Few people watch the skies from October through April more than cattle feeders. This is understandable since two-thirds of all cattle in North America are raised in regions where the average January temperature is below 32*F. Although winter weather has the ability to deal its blow to all classes of cattle, the confined feedlot animal often is the most vulnerable, and the most dependent upon its caregiver, in times of winter weather stress. A year-round management plan is crucial to confined cattle survivability, including an emergency blizzard plan during the winter. The winter of 1992-93 in western Kansas was undoubtedly the most stressful time period for cattle and cattle feeders than any other in memory. While most feedlot managers have tried to forget the effects of those back to back blizzards, none have forgotten the experience. Feedyard managers who were successful in dealing with the overabundance of snow during that period had several successful management strategies in common. 1) Waterers were winterized in early fall. 2) Blizzard management plans were discussed with employees well in advance of inclement weather. 3) Goals focused on keeping cattle dry through pen management, and warm by maximizing feed intake. 4) Pens were well maintained year round. 5) A larger than normal labor force was employed. 6) Extra equipment (front end loaders, dump trucks, bunk sweepers) was on hand prior to each blizzard. 7) Crews worked around the clock, first piling, then removing snow from each pen. 8) Upper management participated first-hand in the cleanup effort. 9) Pens with new cattle were cleaned first. 10) Huddles of new cattle were "stirred" often during the blizzard to prevent trampling and suffocation. 11) Snow in feed alleys was removed, not just pushed aside. 12) Employees and their families were rewarded with overtime pay and special appreciation celebrations following the cleanup. Thus far, precipitation and temperature predictions for the 1999-2000 winter appear to be normal for the midwest and plains states. However, a plan to keep confined cattle dry and comfortable throughout the winter will pay great dividends in feedlot performance should severe weather occur. |
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