October 10, 2013

Early snowfall affects US livestock producers

Colorado, South Dakota, Wyoming and other areas have seen record amounts of unseasonably early snowfall over the past few days which have greatly affected livestock producers.

"This early season, record setting blizzard is devastating to our producers and our thoughts are with them," said South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA) Secretary Lucas Lentsch. "We are working to coordinate with agriculture industry stakeholders to establish and execute a response plan."

SDDA is working closely with the Office of Emergency Management, Animal Industry Board, Brand Board and Governor's Office on recovery efforts.

The newspapers reported that cattle ranchers in western South Dakota were reporting losses between 20% and 50% of their herds, and early estimates suggest the region may have lost 5% or more of its cattle. National Farmers Union (NFU) said their early estimates indicated losses of 15-20% of entire herds.

NFU president Roger Johnson criticised the government shutdown as limiting the government's ability to assist in the before and after of the massive weather event.

"With government agencies operating in limited capacity, the residents of these areas were lacking information and saw delays in reports and warnings in order to be prepared for the extreme conditions experienced," Johnson said.

He added that since USDA offices are not collecting or receiving data, this is an "extremely concerning situation." He added, "Ranchers do not have access to assistance with the USDA Farm Service Agency offices closed, Livestock Indemnity Programme benefits are not available; and other sources of support and information are unavailable."