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Extended deep freeze challenging cattle producers

A central Illinois cattle producer says the extended stretch of cold weather has posed some challenges.

Chase Brown, who’s cattle and row crop operation is based in Macon County, tells Brownfield, “The snowfall wasn’t that bad.  It was more the drifting from the wind.”  He says, “I’ve had a couple frozen hydrants and frozen waterers, but you get pretty good at thawing those things out.  Semis in cold don’t always work well, but we’ve survived.  Nothing we haven’t had to deal with in the past.”

He says he’s not too concerned about his cattle handling the cold.

“They’re kind of an amazing creature.”  He says, “If you can keep their bellies full, and keep them hydrated, give them a little place to get out of the wind, and kind of keep them dry, they can handle the cold very, very well.”

Brown says winter feed supplies are good shape, but after a few weeks of tending cows in below freezing temperatures, he’s ready for spring. 

AUDIO: Chase Brown – Illinois farmer

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