Oklahoma snow: Winter weather poses problems for Oklahoma ranchers

BEAVER, Okla. — Oklahoma ranchers are struggling to keep their herds well fed and watered after a winter storm dumped up to 20 inches in some parts of the state and heavy winds dropped air temperatures below zero.

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS | Published: February 9, 2011 Comment on this article

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In Beaver County in the Oklahoma Panhandle overnight wind chills dropped to 19 below zero. Rancher Danny Engelman spent Wednesday morning tending to more than 300 head of cattle.

Engelman says it's critical to find any newly born calves — are especially vulnerable to the brutal cold. He says when wind chills drop below zero, it's not uncommon to place a calf in the cab of his truck or even in a warm shower.

He says most ranchers prepare by supplying their cattle high-protein feed like alfalfa to build up their energy reserves.