Texas Agriculture Daily

By Shelby Shank
Field Editor

Below-freezing temperatures hit parts of Texas this week, but farmers and ranchers, like Kade and Morgan Hodges of Sterling City, are hard at work caring for livestock through this arctic blast.

“We’ve had three consecutive days of temperatures near or below freezing. The lowest temperature we reached was 8 degrees and a brief light snow on Sunday,” Morgan said.

Although conditions are cold, Kade said this doesn’t compare to Winter Storm Uri in 2021.

“We have experienced much worse. The February 2021 cold snap was significantly worse in Sterling County. We experienced a full week below freezing, along with windy and icy conditions,” Kade said. “We know this is mild compared to winter storms up north, but it’s quite severe for our area.”

To prepare for the cold weather, the couple covered all exposed pipes and faucets and made sure their generator was in working order. Kade and Morgan added anti-gel to tractors and ranch equipment that required diesel and made sure they had enough propane for heaters.

“With the cold weather here, we made sure we had plenty of long stem hay for our livestock,” Kade said. “The long stem hay provides extra fiber, which rumen microbes break down, and in turn, generate heat to help keep the animal warm.”

They hay also serves as a wind break.

Despite the cold temperatures, their livestock are handling the winter weather well.

“The cattle don’t seem bothered at all,” Morgan said. “We’re breaking ice in water troughs each day, and in the pasture, our sheep and goats are able to take shelter under bushes if it gets too cold for them.”

Kade and Morgan are thankful the freezing weather isn’t much worse and that they had time to prepare.

“Prepare for the cold as early as you can. Purchase supplies, such as heat lamps, before you need them, because when you need them, so does everyone else,” Kade said. “Make sure to have hot coffee in the morning, and we’re ready to go.”