For South Dakota crop and livestock producers, the recent blizzard and flood events are creating numerous challenges. “There are several producers referencing calf losses as high as 10 percent,” says Alvaro Garcia, agriculture and natural resources program director for South Dakota State University Extension. “There was heavy snowfall even before the blizzard, which caused roofs on dairy barns to collapse.” The battle isn’t over yet, with the National Weather Service is calling for continued flooding in the state. Garcia says this means energy requirements will continue to be high for livestock. “This time of year the requirement typically start to drop, but the animals lose when they lie down on the wet floor. Also, feed quality could become an issue.” Hear more of the conversation.
(Photo: FEMA News)