February 19, 2021

Unusual cold in Texas affecting cattle farms, chickens, and meat plants

Texas ranchers are struggling to keep their cattle alive in a freak winter storm, as the top United States cattle state has seen cows succumb to the unusual cold temperatures that have also killed chickens, disrupted meat plant operations and threatened crops, Reuters reported.

Texas ranchers said they are spending hours breaking ice in water tanks and ponds so livestock can drink, and are forced to use gasoline-powered trucks to move hay as the diesel fuel in tractors have converted into useless gel in the cold weather.

There are more than 13 million cattle in Texas state.

Kaylin Isbell, a rancher based in Florence, Texas, said several cows and sheep have died after birth. The baby livestock easily succumb to the shock of cold weather.

She said the cold has also killed the oats she planted for her cattle to graze, which means she may need to sell the livestock earlier than expected, cutting her profits.

Ranchers across the United States are already facing increased feed costs because of rising corn and soybean prices.

Sid Miller, the Texas Agriculture Commissioner, told Reuters that chicks are freezing to death because hatcheries aren't heated enough, as there is limited natural gas.

He also said dairy operations are discarding US$8 million worth of milk everyday because milk processing plants do not have power, while grain mills cannot operate because there is no power there too.

Tyson Foods and Cargill have already suspended operations at some of their plants in the state.

- Reuters