US farmers lose thousands of cattle in blizzard
Tens of thousands of cattle have been killed in the South Dakota area of the US after early blizzards brought heavy snow and 60mph winds.
The snow storms – dubbed the worse in the state’s history – have left a trail of devastation for many farmers and are thought to have killed up to 75,000 cattle.
Up to 4ft of snow was dumped in parts of the region, stranding and burying livestock, as well as damaging buildings.
The situation will be a poignant reminder for UK livestock farmers of the heavy stock losses they suffered themselves during the snow storms of March 2013.
The South Dakota Stock Growers Association has estimated that 15% to 20% of all cattle were killed in some parts of the state but some farmers have reported that they lost half or more of their herds.
The snow caught ranchers out because it came much harder and earlier than normal.
It was accompanied by high winds which made the conditions even more treacherous for animals out at pasture.
As the snow recedes, the affected farmers are now facing a difficult clean-up operation.
Devastating pictures are emerging from the area of whole herds of cattle lying dead on the ground.
* Pictures supplied by Bigballsincowtown.com
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