The build-up of snow and ice on roofs proved too much for many farm buildings in the Northern Plains. An ice jam on the frozen flooded Elm River in South Dakota. Doug and Molly Hoff could stand on a snow bank and touch the top of 30-foot cedar trees on their ranch near Bison, S.D. in late March. Many rural roads and crossings were flooded after the snow melt in April. Doug Hoff and a neighboring rancher stop to inspect a flooded river plains area near Bison, S.D. Hugh Ingalls and many other Angus breeders in the Dakotas are keeping the faith, despite severe winter stress and economic set-backs.
Breeders are concerned, however, about weak calves and breed-back conception rates.
Four-wheel drive tractors got a true test this past winter on the Ingalls Ranch. Farm families stick together in tough times. Minn. A snow-covered fuel pump on the Halverson farm. Evan Halverson and the family dog found it a challenge to climb the snow banks surrounding their home. Removing extra snow and mud in the cattle lots was a wekly chore for the Halversons.