Battling the Cold Here in Missouri
This week, winter has settled in with full force here in North Missouri. We hoped after the past couple weeks milder temperatures, that winter was going to be over for the year ... wishful thinking I guess. The past few days have brought snow-covered pastures, single-digit temperatures, and blistering winds that cut right through even the heaviest winter coats. While the cold makes life a little tougher for us, our biggest concern is always the well-being of our livestock—the bison, cows, and sheep that call our farm home.
Winter weather means extra work and extra care. The animals need more feed to keep their energy up, so we increase their feed rations, making sure they have plenty to eat. For the bison, who are built to handle the cold, it’s about providing extra hay and letting them use their thick winter coats to do their job. Our cows and sheep also get additional feeding, and we keep a close eye on their condition, making sure they stay strong through the bitter cold.
One of the biggest challenges in freezing temperatures is keeping water available. With the wind chills dropping below zero, tanks and troughs ice over quickly. That means breaking ice several times a day or using tank heaters to keep the water open. Hydration is just as important in the cold as it is in the summer, and we make sure none of the animals go without.
Shelter and wind blocks are another key focus. While our bison are naturally suited for winter weather, we make sure they have windbreaks to escape the worst of the cold gusts. The cows and sheep get access to barns or thick tree cover to shield them from the elements and help to keep them warm. Thankfully, our herds won't start calving until mid to late March - so fingers crossed, by then we will have more mild temperatures that are more conducive to calving.
Farming & ranching in a Missouri winter is no easy task, but we wouldn’t trade this life for anything. There’s something rewarding about knowing we’re taking care of these animals, keeping them healthy, and making sure they thrive—even in the toughest conditions. Major respect to our frontline ranch hands who work night and day to make sure our animals are kept healthy and safe through even the roughest of conditions.
Stay warm out there, and we’ll see you next week for another update From the Farm.
- The McBee's
