Taylor County Farm Service Agency executive director Tim Hall reports that area wheat crops were largely unproductive for at least three years because of a lack of moisture. Unfortunately, cattlemen aren't nearly so appreciative of the weather. Bomar had planned to work his herd Tuesday but was unable to even get to the pasture because of the ice. Ice and wind can be a brutal combination for cattle, especially for pastured herds. On top of the cold, feed can be difficult to exhume when it' s buried beneath the ice.
Cattle are also more prone to disease in cold, wet weather.
They stay healthier in drier climes. Many ranchers try to pen the animals for warmth when cold weather hits, but that too can be difficult, depending on the size and location of the herd. Cows need at least 18-20 pounds of hay per day in this type of weather. Many ranchers also use protein supplements. Of course, cattlemen are accustomed to weather extremes in West Texas, Gary said.