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Blizzard & Extreme Cold

All Blizzard & Extreme Cold Content

A South Dakota Mesonet station in a snow-covered field.

Livestock Stress Tool

Weather conditions in the Northern Plains can present more than a few challenges for livestock producers. From below zero or blizzard conditions during winter or even spring, to heat waves in the summer months, farmers and ranchers need to be prepared for rapidly changing conditions to provide the best care for their livestock and minimize their risks of losses.

A downed rural power line following an ice storm.

Caring for Animals When the Power Goes Out

Power outages bring with them a different set of circumstances to every animal operation. Questions about animal care and animal health products in the midst of electricity loss should be directed to your veterinarian.

Example Cold Advisory for Newborn Livestock (CANL) Map.

Using Weather Forecasts for Extreme Cold Risk to Newborn Livestock

Calving and lambing during a winter season with extreme weather swings can be concerning when caring for newborn livestock. The Cold Advisory for Newborn Livestock (CANL) forecast can be a useful tool for producers when preparing for newborn animals.

A South Dakota Mesonet station in a snow-covered field.

SDSU Extension and South Dakota Mesonet team up to release the Livestock Stress Tool

November 18, 2021

Weather conditions in the Northern Plains can present many challenges for livestock producers. Farmers and ranchers need to be prepared for rapidly changing conditions to provide the best care for their livestock and minimize their risk of losses.

Small group of employees inspecting a milking parlor.

Factores que Afectan la Condición de la Piel del Pezón en el Invierno

Poco a poco y casi sin darnos cuenta, nos vamos adentrando en la estación más fría del año. Prepararnos para la llegada del invierno es importante para asegurar el bienestar animal.

Small group of employees inspecting a milking parlor.

Factors Affecting Teat Skin Condition in Winter

Even though cows are housed in many parts of the country, cold weather may play an important factor in udder health and milk quality.

Holstein Dairy Calves lying in fresh straw, wearing calf blankets to help keep warm.

Keeping Pre-weaned Dairy Calves Healthy and Growing in Cold Weather

Cold stress can result in calves turning to stored body fat to generate body heat, essentially losing weight. In addition, calves experiencing cold stress will have compromised immune systems making them more susceptible to disease.

Holstein Dairy Calves lying in fresh straw, wearing calf blankets to help keep warm.

Managing Un-Weaned Dairy Calves During Cold Weather

Winter can present extra challenges for dairy producers and heifer growers as they try to keep calves alive and growing adequately in frigid temperatures.

Two producers inspecting a dairy barn.

Emergency Preparedness on Dairies

Being prepared for an emergency on your dairy can significantly improve recovery time from an unexpected incident.

Brown Swiss Dairy Calf, lays outside calf hutch in straw bedding with blue calf coat on, sunning itself in the winter sunshine.

Winter Preparedness on the Dairy Farm

Weather this time of year can change in a hurry. So how many of you as dairy producers have heeded the warning and taken the time to prepare for the upcoming winter?