We are in the Soapweed and Katrina Club on this storm. Started getting ready about last Friday, moving some cattle into better, closer to home situations, tho we were not supposed to get any calves before late next week, i believe. synchronized hiefers started with the snow, and are doing ok. One calf born in pasture died, most likely from getting trampled by his dams curious herdmates......on a feedground in a BIG pasture!
New lot (rebuilt after flooding a couple of years ago) are working great, with a couple more windbreaks and also down on a creek bottom with hills protecting it. a bit from wind.
We got over a foot of snow, but very little wind....YET!
We also got a little freezing mist to start things off with. Sure feel for the folks in the Sioux Falls area. Pictures on TV are awful, and probably don't do it justice, at that.
Moisture appears to be pretty good, and we darn sure needed it. We have had about a half inch of moisture since before the first of the year.....not enough, especially considering we got less than half of normal all of last year and 'normal' (not sure I believe there is such a thing) is maybe 15 inches. Most of it usually comes during the growing season, if we are having a 'good' year.
Fortunately, we have a good crew of sons and grandsons, and a grand daughnter in law who is a very good hand when someone is available to watch our little sixth generation girl. They do work together when a pickup can be used, sorta like Peach does. Ours will be one year old early in May, and loves to be out and about and on the horse, too. I'd love to be able to fill in on the babysitting, but have to get my back and an ankle fixed before carrying a 20 pound baby is anything but a danger to her. Soon, I hope!!!
Best wishes to all of you battling even worse weather and conditions!
mrj