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Cattle producer braces for upcoming winter weather

A winter storm system is expected to move across parts of the Corn Belt next week and an eastern Iowa cattle farmer says it’s coming at a bad time.

“We just started calving,” said Lance Lillibridge of Vinton. “We’ve got three calves on the ground.”

Lillbridge raises red angus cattle in Benton County. “That means some pretty sleepless nights staying ahead of the cows and calves and making sure that the calves are dried off and warmed up and nursing. “As much as I want the moisture, I would hope that it doesn’t get overly severe.”

He tells Brownfield he will take extra steps to be prepared for the storm. “We have to make sure the cows are comfortable and that they’re bedded up. That’s super important, making sure that they’re comfortable. And then of course, making sure the waters are not froze up and make sure they’ve got fresh water.”

Lillibridge says having enough feed supplies on hand will be another priority.