This last weekend parts of South Dakota, Wyoming and Nebraska were hit with life-changing weather in the form of the worst blizzard to ever hit South Dakota. Farmers and Ranchers have lost over 10,000 head of cattle, estimating that about 5% of the regions livestock is now gone according to the tiny article on the New York Times website. Many ranchers are reporting to have lost fifty percent of their herd.
As I am now living near the border of South Dakota, I have been hearing a lot of stories about livestock dying from not only of cold, but of extreme exhaustion. I have heard of horses getting caught in fences and dying, and I have seen pictures of herds of cows laying dead in creeks, snowbanks, and fence lines. I had one man come into the bar where I work, sit down and show me the pictures. The look on his face was priceless, it was near tears. I can only assume he was imaging his own place and how blessed he was to still have his herd in reasonably good shape.
It saddens me that I have seen nothing on the internet, news, or even big papers. I feel as though the people in our country don't realize that impact that this storm has had on peoples lives, economy, and livelihoods. I am sure that there will be many families struggling to make ends meet, as well as ranches and corporations trying to stay ahead.
Prayers to the families that have been affected by this tragedy, may they have the strength to pull through this!
Until next time,
Shaylee
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