Wyoming Ranchers Are Hit Hard By Spring Storm
As I scrolled through my Facebook feed yesterday I held back tears. Over and over I saw posts from my friends that were desperately struggling.
I'm not talking about a car stuck in the driveway or no internet for a day struggling. I'm talking about life and death and the age-old fight between Wyoming Ranchers and Mother Nature.
I took a moment to reach out to two ranching friends of mine, one located right here in Casper, and another in Wheatland and asked them to share their thoughts and experiences these last few days.
Katrina Morris is a world-renowned horse clinician and the owner of Hat Creek Ranch.
Hat Creek Ranch
I think when we hear blizzard anyone with livestock immediately starts putting out extra feed, checking water and perhaps moving them closer to the barn. But as Wyoming always proves... the wind adds incredible guessing to the game. It covers feed, it drifts alleyways... it can cause the snow to cover stock and even smother them. So when you are asked what are your concerns during a blizzard... it’s not power to stay on for your house ... it’s power to stay on to water the stock - it’s wondering if this will be the storm the drifts are too big to find all your animals. With as much stress, heartache and worry you have - when you, at last, see them all good, and the blue sky peeks through the clouds with that golden sun ... you become proud you have some badass critters that survived another wicked Wyoming storm ... and you again begin to see that snow as great moisture for spring grass.
The Diamond K Ranch is a small family owned ranch located outside of Casper, Wyoming. Below, Kim Kittel talks about how Ranchers try to protect their calves during these brutal Spring Storms.
Diamond K Ranch
"A storm like this last one can be very dangerous for animals, especially during calving season. Nobody wants complications during this time. We, as we know other ranchers did, made sure the animals had ample feed and water. New mamas and their calves, as well as any immediately expectant mamas, were brought in closer to the barn for additional protection from the storm. It was a long late night preparing, but that preparation and some prayer paid off. We are so thankful that our animals made it through just fine."
And we are thankful for all of our Wyoming ranchers that brave dangerous weather to take care of their stock. You are truly what makes Wyoming great.