January 8, 2010

Heavy snow slams North America and Europe, slows business

Blasts of Arctic winds and drifting snow gripped much of northern US and Canada on Thursday, slowing business in the agricultural sector.

Treacherous road conditions amid the snow and ice was slowing the pace of business in the agricultural sector, especially in the movement of grains and livestock.

"It's been a brutal start to 2010 and we are witnessing a cold snap we haven't seen in a decade," said Missouri state climatologist Pat Guinan. "Temperatures are cold enough that salt (used to melt snow on roads) is not effective."

As much as 30 inches of snow was on the ground in Spencer, Iowa, late Wednesday with another 5-6 inches falling overnight. Heavy drifting pushed officials to close roads in the western part of the largest corn and soy producing state.

Iowa state climatologist Harry Hillaker said cattle were at risk of suffocation as snow accumulates and animals crowd around each other to stay warm and avoid the winds, adding that dehydration was also a risk.

In Alberta, Canada, freezing temperatures have not had any significant effect on cattle movement, said Ken Ziegler, a beef specialist with the provincial government.

Temperatures in the Texas Panhandle were forecast to dip to the lowest level since 2002 but, with weather there expected to remain dry, livestock were not seen at risk.

Meanwhile, arctic-like weather also swept across European key wheat producers France, Germany and Britain.

But recently planted grains are thought to have built up enough resistance to withstand the freezing temperatures, while the snow cover is expected to protect the grain from freeze damage.