By Emmy Powell
Communications Specialist
It wasn’t as severe as Winter Storm Uri, but this year’s cold blast still brought challenges for Texas farmers and ranchers.
Below-freezing temperatures lingered for multiple days, creating difficult conditions on farms and ranches across the state.
“This year compared to 2021, we didn’t lose electricity, and that’s been a huge blessing,” said Paul Hayes IV, a Somervell County rancher. “When you keep electricity, it makes things a lot easier. Wells pump, and you’re able to use heaters and lights. We can go into a warm home, eat a hot meal and get ready to go back out.”
In Somervell County, the storm began with heavy rain before the temperatures dropped.
“It rained all day Friday. We got more rain than we expected,” Hayes, who raises Brahman cattle, said. “It saturated the ground and started making it muddy. Saturday morning, the freeze came in, and we ended up with about an inch of sleet, snow and ice mixture on the ground.”
Although ice totals were lower than anticipated, the extended cold made conditions increasingly tough.
Leading up to the storm, Hayes prepared the ranch as best he could.
“We position feed where we think we’ll need it making it easier to keep cattle fed when conditions worsen.. We put out a few extra rolls of hay and a few more molasses tubs,” he said. “We also look to see if we have any lingering problems that need to be fixed that we won’t be able to get to. We make sure livestock have feed and water to get through.”
Once the storm arrived, his priorities narrowed.
“On a normal day, you’re able to go and do other things or do other projects. But when it comes down to a storm like this, you’re solely focused on feeding and watering,” he said.
The storm’s timing also overlaps with calving season for many ranchers.
“We had a few calves prior to the storm, and we made sure that they were nursing and doing well. But the rest of the cows haven’t calved during this, which we’ve been grateful for,” Hayes said. “But you still have to be prepared to step in, warm them up or move them if needed.”
Hayes’ passion for raising cattle makes it all worth it.
“Our family considers it a blessing to be able to raise livestock,” he said. “There are easier seasons, and there are times like this. You take the challenging moments and remember the good ones. This is just part of the job.”
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