Record Setting Blizzard Leaves Tens of Thousands of Cows Dead

South Dakota ranchers continue uncovering dead cattle and horses after a record-setting blizzard swept in and dumped over 55 inches of snow, burying cars, houses, and a catastrophic number of cattle.

With beef cattle being a major part of South Dakota's economy, many ranchers are struggling to get back on their feet. Unfortunately, while they could typically rely upon the Livestock Indemnity Program and other federally run programs funded under the Farm Bill, the Farm Bill expired October 1, leaving them without any relief measures in place.

In the meantime, the Black Hills Area Community Foundation has put together a relief fund for local ranchers in need. While this is helpful, it's not enough. However, once the Farm Bill passes, the federal money will go a long ways in helping to restore these ranchers to where they need to be.

Rapid City, South Dakota has been recovering quite well, clearing streets, and repairing the many fallen electric poles. The massive amount of snow may be cleared from the roadways, but as it melts it poses another problem - flooding. People of many different areas of South Dakota are working their days away toward recovery.

Snowfall in the 1-4 inch range is still possible for parts of the Black Hills of South Dakota, but a bit of calm tranquility is in store. While mild to moderate snowfall is possible, and the weather is still chilly, there is a "light at the end of the tunnel." 

Now is a good time to order a snow blower or a power brush. With this only being October, it's quite possible snow could be a major part of the upcoming winter.