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Livestock producers dealing with extreme cold

Livestock producers in the Upper Midwest are dealing with temperatures well below freezing.

Rachel Gray and her family operate a heifer development program near Blackduck in northern Minnesota where temps have recently been more than 30 degrees below zero.

“We have been doing well, we’re very very fortunate in that we have really good winter waterers. So our winter watering system is very good, we have not struggled with frozen water, which is definitely a concern in this weather.”

She tells Brownfield it’s been colder than normal and there’s been less snow.

“I think that temperature is hard on cattle, we have to be very careful to make sure they are bedded deeply, that they have good wind protection, and then they can do alright. As long as they have water, wind protection, and deep bedding.”

Gray says they also add calories to the diet to help livestock during extreme cold.