Winter Storm a Hard Hit for Louisiana Livestock
By Kristen Oaks-White
Louisiana Farm Bureau News
A winter ice storm hit Louisiana Monday morning, bringing snow, sleet and freezing rain across the state.
Louisiana livestock producers are working overtime during the blistering cold to protect their investment and our next meal.
According to the LSU AgCenter, Louisiana is home to more than 576,000 head of cattle and to more than 11,000 farmers and ranchers who care for those animals. Their work continues daily in rain or shine, whether it's blisteringly hot or frigidly cold outside.
Experts say the current weather poses risks to both livestock and to the men, women and children who care for them.
Forecasters say bitter cold temperatures are currently on track to keep most of Louisiana below freezing through at least Tuesday afternoon, with the northernmost parts of the state staying below freezing for days.
The Northern and Central portions of Louisiana could face an even colder second round of wintry weather beginning Wednesday, Feb. 15.
Caddo Parish cattleman, Marty Wooldridge works through the storm to keep his herd fed.
DeSoto Parish cattleman, Joey Register breaks ice on frozen water troughs.
Ouachita Parish farmer, Butch Oaks feeds cattle in the storm and checks propane levels for heating in his poultry houses.