Death losses from the April 7 snow storm alone are estimated at 90,000 head. The most recent North Dakota Farm Service Agency survey indicates that North Dakota farmers and ranchers lost a total of 123,000 head of cattle from all winter and spring storms. The hard winter is projected to continue taking its toll on North Dakota cattle producers. Stressed cows tend to produce weaker calves.
Weaker calves tend to have more trouble with scours.
Stressed cows tend to not breed back as well. Problem number two is that less calves and lighter calves suggest considerably less pounds of calf to sell this fall. The one bright spot in all of this is that calf prices are projected to be higher this fall. For many North Dakota beef cow producers, the possible 25-percent increase in calf prices this year may not offset the potential loss in calf pounds marketed. Gross income, even after the price increase, may not go up in 1997.