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N.D. (AP) — Four major storms in a month’s span with record snow are causing hardships for ranchers in the Dakotas.
But their livestock appear to have made it through the rough start to winter in decent shape.
Rancher groups say livestock deaths appear to be minimal. And the Agriculture Department estimates animal losses to be mostly “average” to “light.”
Western South Dakota rancher Jon Millar says he has 2 feet of snow on his ranch compared to nearly none at this time last year. He says he’s lost fewer than half a dozen animals, though.
But more snow means more work for ranchers to care for livestock, more stress on equipment and less time for other things. Julie Ellingson with the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association says, “there are no ‘snow days’ for ranchers.”