That’s the question facing many western South Dakota ranchers after a freak early October 2013 snowstorm – so powerful it has been named “Atlas” – killed thousands of cattle.
The storm came suddenly after days with temperatures in the 70s and 80s and while cattle were still in summer pastures. Heavy rains soaked the cows and the ground, followed by heavy snow and strong winds up to 70 miles per hour.
The storm dumped up to three feet of snow in some parts of the Black Hills while the previous October snowfall record in South Dakota was fewer than 10 inches, a record set about 100 years ago. The strong winds blew the snow into drifts up to 20 feet deep.
A blizzard warning was issued more than a day ahead of the big storm, but normally safe pastures proved to be almost as fatal as the open range. Driven by the wind and snow, cattle moved into rivers and creeks, looking for protection. Instead, the soft, wet dirt trapped their legs and the snow covered their bodies. Others were stopped by strong fences and again the ice and snow covered them.
The storm took both cows and calves – wiping out entire herds. That means that the ranch income has been compromised this year and for years into the future. To help provide some relief, cattlemen from across the country are donating replacement heifers while others, including the Summit County Farm Bureau, are donating money to help support the ranchers and their families as they work to overcome the disaster.
According to South Dakota Farm Bureau, “Losing all or part of the herd that you — and your family for generations before you — has worked so hard to build up is a deep emotional blow. From an economic perspective, the ranchers will be facing a very difficult time in the weeks and months ahead as they decide how to regain their footing and rebuild.”
Normally livestock disaster relief is available from the Federal Government, but the previous livestock disaster program expired in 2011. The new farm bill includes a livestock disaster program but Congress has failed to pass the bill. The only support currently available to those who lost livestock is private support.
Here are several groups returning 100% of their donations to the people who need the help. (Donations through these organizations are tax deductible:)
1. South Dakota Farm Bureau Cares is coordinating efforts and donations from across the country. As of November 2013, more than $90,000 had been raised. Of that total, $68,000 was received from Farm Bureau members inside South Dakota, plus other state Farm Bureau organizations and individuals across the country.
The fund is designed to help ranch families impacted by the blizzard with immediate financial needs. Farm Bureau is a “family,” so Farm Bureau member families will receive first priority when the funds are distributed. 100% of the money collected will go directly to ranch families in need.
You can make out a check to “Farmers & Merchants Bank / SDFB Cares Fund” and send it to South Dakota Farm Bureau at PO Box 1426, Huron SD, 57350.
2. The South Dakota Rancher Relief Fund was established on October 8, 2013 by Black Hills Area Community Foundation to provide support and relief assistance to those in the agriculture industry impacted by the blizzard. The fund will be administered by BHACF in cooperation with the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association, the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association and the South Dakota Sheep Growers Association for the direct benefit of the livestock producers impacted by the devastating blizzard.
For more information about their efforts, go to http://www.ranchersrelief.org/. Donations can be made through giveblackhills.org.