Cattlemen working harder in winter weather across Missouri

COLUMBIA, MO (KMIZ)

Below freezing temperatures have brought along challenges for local cattlemen and their cattle.

Missouri is ranked number 5 in beef production in the U.S. and is a driving force for the economy. According to the USDA, there are currently over 1.9 million beef cows in Missouri.

"Missouri's agriculture is an $88.4 billion dollar industry and we rank in the top 10 for many commodities. Cattle is one of them and we know how important our cattlemen and cattlewomen are to the state's economy, but more importantly to the state's food supply.", said Chinn

Chris Chinn, the Agriculture Director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture, says this type of weather doesn't affect the cattle as much as people would think. She says because of cows coat it provides insulation against this type of weather and they may only need more food and water in these conditions.

"We don't expect this to impact the [beef] numbers in the state, because in Missouri our ranchers are used to this and they are prepared", said Chinn.

Patty Wood, President of the Missouri Cattlemen Association, says her cattle have been surviving through the cold and the biggest challenge is frozen water tanks. Woods says it's more working for the cattlemen fighting against freezing temperatures and snow, but the cattle aren't affected.

"They're pretty resilient, for us as farmers it just means that there's more time spent making sure that the cattle are ok", said Wood.

Wood says some cattlemen within her association have had to provide additional care to baby calves and their mothers. The cold temperatures require them to be moved inside of a barn or shelter in order to stay warm. Most cattlemen won't start breeding calves until next month at the start of spring, so many aren't dealing with that issue.

"Our chores are probably lasting all day, but it's what you do because you love what you do and the livestock are important to us, it's our livelihood but it's also our passion that we have as cattle ranchers.", said Wood.

Missourians won't have to worry about the beef supply being affected in these freezing temperatures, cattlemen say they are closely monitoring the health of their cattle during these extreme weather conditions.

Editor's note, 2/18: An earlier version of the story misquoted Chinn as saying the weather would not affect "cattle members." The quote has been corrected.