Winter Storms and Cold Cattle in the Southeast

 

If you are reading this, there is a good chance you have been dealing with impacts from the significant winter storm wreaking havoc on a large portion of the U.S. – even in the deep south. Power outages, school or business closures, and cold cattle are all occurring. This storm is rare due to not only the cold temperatures and ice/snow, but also the duration of the event.

 

Cattle sales volumes will be low this week in most places as some auctions close along with a reduction in the supply of cattle that would show up for auction even if they are open. The impact on winter pasture will be seen in the coming weeks as there will likely be at least some cattle that go to market sooner than intended due to reduced pasture conditions.

 

While there are certainly market impacts that will play out over the next few weeks, the production challenges faced by cattle producers are the most severe during an extreme winter weather event such as this one. For operations who have started calving, harsh temperatures and precipitation create significant stress for newborn calves (and cattle producers). Calving is not yet in full swing for most producers but there will be quite a few calves born this week. According to the USDA report “Beef Cow-calf Management Practices in the United States,” around 12% of calves in the U.S. are born during the month of February. For the East region which includes the Southeast, this number is about 10%. Keeping these newborn calves dry and warm is a top priority.

 

Nutritional requirements for cattle also increase sharply during extreme cold and providing enough quality feedstuffs and water can be difficult. The December 1 Hay Stocks report showed most of the Southeast with strong hay stocks which is positive because a lot of hay and other feedstuffs will be needed this week. For many areas, this is unfortunately likely to be one of those winter storms that will be remembered for many years.

 

Video: Season 6, Episode 10: Defining Resiliency and the Research Driving Swine Health Forward

Genetic research and new technologies continue to influence the future of swine health and production efficiency. In this episode, we explore how research and technology are being used to support stronger, more resilient pigs, while also improving overall production outcomes. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Jenelle Dunkelberger, geneticist with Topigs Norsvin, to discuss both routine and emerging strategies for improving piglet, pig, and sow livability. She outlines two primary approaches to enhancing resiliency: gene editing and traditional selective breeding. Continuing the resiliency conversation, we also hear from Dr. Lucina Galina, director of technical research projects at the Pig Improvement Company. She shares insights into ongoing gene-editing work focused on PRRS, detailing the pathway to success, regulatory and practical considerations, and the questions that still remain as the technology evolves. Together, these conversations provide a closer look at how research, genetics and innovation are shaping the future of swine health and livability.