Rescuers Race To Save Snowbound Livestock

Plains Ranchers, National Guard Conduct Emergency Haylifts To Feed Animals Stranded In Heavy Snows

(CBS/AP)  Hundreds of hay bales fell from the sky across Colorado's rangeland as military helicopter and cargo plane crews delivered food to cattle that have been stranded by the heavy snow and high drifts for a week.

In smaller helicopters, ranchers landed near frozen streams and used sledgehammers to chop ice from the water for the livestock to drink.

The situation on the snowbound Plains is getting dire. Typically, cattle can survive only five to 10 days without food or water in good conditions, state veterinarian John Maulsby said. For the cattle in eastern Colorado and on the Kansas and Nebraska plains, it has now been seven days since a blizzard dumped up to 3 feet of snow and whipped up 10-foot-high drifts.

"We think there are probably 30,000 head (of cattle) out there that are at risk that we're having to make sure we feed," said Maj. Gen. Mason Whitney of the Colorado Guard.

There is no estimate of how many have died.

Pilots leading the emergency haylift on Wednesday were mostly seeing groups of 10 or 20 cows, rather than 100 or more, said Dan Hatlestad, spokesman for the Southeast Area Operations Command, a regional emergency response team.

Cattle were already spread thinly across the region before the storm hit because a prolonged drought had left little grass for them to eat. The back-to-back holiday blizzards have since covered fences dividing pastures so the animals have scattered even more.

One Lamar-area rancher could find only half of his 600-head herd, said Don Ament, the Colorado agriculture commissioner. Ament said farmers and ranchers have told him it's worse than the 1997 blizzard that killed 30,000 cattle and cost $28 million in agriculture losses.

Colorado health and agriculture officials planned to meet Thursday to discuss what to do with the dead and disabled cattle that are found. Ament said he wants to put the meat to use if possible and will contact rendering operations.

One Kansas feedlot owner said he had lost 450 cattle out of the 155,000 he has on feed preparing for slaughter and 20 dairy cows out of his herd of 7,500. Still, Roy Brown, co-owner of Cattle Empire near Satanta, said his insurance would cover his losses, which he estimated at about $350,000.

The 20,000 bison on ranches in southeastern Colorado, western Kansas and Oklahoma were unaffected by the storm, partly because bison use their head and hump "like a big snowplow to get down to where the forage is," said Dave Carter, executive director of the National Bison Association.

While the pilots dropped more than 900 heavy hay bales, trying to get close enough to the animals to make the food easily reachable but not so close to scare them, rangers on trucks and snowmobiles hauled more hay to cattle closer to the growing number of county roads that have been cleared since the storm.

The storm, blamed for at least 13 deaths, left utility crews in sections of Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado and Oklahoma working around the clock to restore power to tens of thousands of homes and businesses.

The storm knocked out 10,000 power polls in Kansas, alone. Repair crews are making progress but back roads in Kansas have gone from ice to mud, reports CBS News correspondent Kelly Cobiella.

Officials warned that some rural areas could be without electricity for weeks. In some places, the snow has been too much for plows and workers have had to resort to front-end loaders to try to clear the roads.

U.S. Sen. Ken Salazar, D-Colo., on Wednesday sought federal disaster relief for people and livestock in the southeastern part of the state. New Mexico's Gov. Bill Richardson and Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman also asked for a disaster declaration, as did the National Cattlemen's Beef Association.

However, the price of beef was unlikely to be affected.

"If you think about it there's a disaster that affects the cow herd someplace in the United States every year," Terry Fankhauser, executive vice president of the Colorado Cattlemen's Association told CBS station KCNC-TV in Denver. "So the market is accustomed to dealing with these things."

[nala_baby_02]

newster1,
Get your facts straight before you go posting.
Most of what you said here is not true at all. Most cattle that are sold or slaughtered are steers. Cows and bulls are kept for breeding. Most of the time the reason cows can't produce is because they're old in which most cases they die of natural causes. Cows are not kept in a constant state of pregnancy to produce milk. If this was true, please explain to me why my father has a barn full of dairy cows who haven't been pregnant for years. Cows are frequently pregnant so farmers can increase their herd. The milk from a cow who has recently given birth isn't consumed by humans in the first place because of the increase of NATURAL bovine hormones that are in the milk. It would not be good for humans to drink and therefore is given to the calf solely. Not all cows are given hormones and other drugs. This is a stereotype. Cows are not given drugs for max weight gain, that doesn't even make sense. Steers are sometimes given these drugs. All the things you said are purely stereotypical and not all farmers practices such things. All meat is not bad for you. Fish and poultry are low in fat and are full of essential vitamins and minerals. Most meat can be cooked in ceartain ways to reduce the fat content. Just because you've had some bad experiences you've had some bad experiences doesn't mean you have to go badmouthing some of the hardest working people this country has.

[ihave4rugratshelp]

BTW,
I sure hope none of you animal rights folks aren't buying anything made of leather, because GUESS WHERE the leather comes from?
And, e coli can be removed from meat by thoroughly cooking it--it can't from vegetation. And, since the last two mass e coli outbreaks were caused by tainted vegetables. I would have thought that everyone would be glad that at least they're trying to feed the cattle, but obviously I overestimated the amount of compassion that would be present on this blog--WHAT A SURPRISE.

[ihave4rugratshelp]

Hmm, Last time I checked, the vegetarians, PETA, or any other animal welfare advocates aren't in Colorado risking their lives and racing against time to try and save these poor animals. IT'S THE RANCHERS!! And, unless you've ever been in a blizzard in Colorado or Kansas (I have in both states--they're nothing to laugh at), you have no idea how fast they strike without any real time to prepare oneself (yeah, like the ranchers had time to evacuate their cattle). Like it or not, cattle is these ranchers livelihood, as well as the truckers who haul the cattle to the meat plants, the truckers who haul the meat to the stores and so on. These ranchers are not asking your permission or your blessing for the choice they made as far as a way to earn a living--so why don't you show them some of the compassion that you would rather reserve for the animals only. And, btw, I want to see someone blame Bush for this snowstorm--I'm sure someone will before this is all over.

[reality1013]

The cattle that are starving in the snowdrifts could be dariy cows, breeding stock, or family pets for all you know. Who are you to judge a rancher? Are you an owner of the ranch? Do you know what those cattle are being used for? Unless you have the answer please don't make erroneous comments.
Those of you who have a gripe about how animals are slaughtered, please provide funding and research for better ways to do so. In the past animals were hunted with bow and arrow or a rifle for each family. Then salted down or smoked for storage. Does that sound better than what is done today? *** that means no plastic packaging or FDA regulations. And do you really think the world in going to go meat free?
Being human includes eating red (iron enriched)meat. Not all of us do, but to those of you who do not, you do by choice. Please read the above statement. If humans were not carnivores we and you would not be here. The human body requires iron provided by red meat. Back in the day there were no iron supplements to take to provide the human body with the iron it needs to survive. Without it we do not exist. So if you'd like to lower the population and it's immune system against disease, by all means convert the human population to vegetarian. Otherwise, realize your lifestyle is your own and do not try to make the rest of us feel guilty for being human and non vegetarian.

[pixelslinger]

Welcome to a Free country, Newster - people get to eat meat even if you think it's bad for them. Hell, people get to by semi-automatic rifles. Want to complain about something for human catastrophe's? *** about tobacco. But if you feel like continuing down the whole 'animals are people too' train of thought, see my previous reply 1 page back.

[nothappyatall]

Small scale operator electrocuting pigs, still alive when hooked
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9Ar8_EbQII

Postville Iowa plant, cows throats cut while conscious;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owguhH8kA_k

[nothappyatall]

" Besides, wouldn't you be scared about losing your money that you invested in your business?? "

Maybe it's TIME to start looking for a NEW business, like the companies that built telegraph equipments and rotary dial phones, steam locomotives and trolly cars, patent holders of items like hooks used on button up shoes and hoops for Victorian hoop dresses, or windup clockwork operated parking meters- as a business you either adapt and evolve, you find a new line of work or go belly up because no business lasts forever except undertakers and hospitals.

"Try it sometime, it'll help you sleep better at night."

I DO sleep well knowing I am not helping injure and kill animals for profit.

" the cattle will not be brutally killed when they go to slaughter. It's actually pretty humane."

Well then go VIEW these video clips and come back and say that again;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jyS064aOb0

Nov 30, 2004, The NY Times broke the story of what it called "grisly" animal abuse at the world's largest glatt kosher slaughterhouse, AgriProcessors Inc. This is one of MANY plants and this is only ONE of them that was caught and EXPOSED- 25 minute documentary;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXS_Ekd_r80

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=os3t7lqTdKY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ja9_-NtdSOQ

[bhappy2-2]

mdc76082
'When Mother Nature plays, you will probably pay. You best have emergency stations setup prior to severe weather to sustain your cattle, or you need to bring them in before hand. If not, you pay.'
So, when a hurricane comes ashore (like New Orleans), or a tornado (ANYWHERE), or any river floods it is the governments responsibility to come to the rescue of everyone and everything in the disaster area. But if there is a blizzard in Colorado the RANCHERS are responsible for preparing AHEAD of time. I have lived in the north, midwest and on the eastern seaboard and I can say from past experiences that these sometimes give NO WARNING before striking. With hurricanes and floods there is usually a few DAYS warning, sometimes more than a WEEK! Yet, they cause extensive damages, including death, to humans and animals alike. WHY DID YOU NOT MENTION PREPARING AHEAD OF TIME FOR THESE? THIS WOULD INCLUDE EVACUATION IF NECESSARY. So many people only think the government is responsible if the disaster affects THEM. Come on mdc, GET REAL!!!

[nothappyatall]

"Okay, really...are ya serious newster1? Just because those ranchers/feedlots are making money off their cattle that they don't care for them?
==

I have SEEN the videos, many of them, with my own eyes as well as the news reports and I have a friend who WORKED at Purdue's kill house where they process the birds. Animals are NOT humanely killed in all cases- it costs too much to stop the "line"
Oh yeah, I'm SURE the ranchers are all broken up emotionally about the whole thing.

"And, not all those cattle would have gone to slaughter. A lot of them are cows that are kept for breeding, not for slaughter.
Posted by redgreen68"

Yeah, ONE bull if even that, given the fact that AI and hiring a bull is cheaper and easier than maintaining your own just for breeding, then they would be keeping a certain percentage of cows in a herd for breeding, but these cows WILL eventually be killed the same way once they can't produce enough. Cows are kept in a constant state of pregnancy so they PRODUCE MILK, they are injected with hormones, antibiotics, growth injections towards this end and max weight gain.
Before you tell ME I'm ignorant Jack- I'm an animal welfare advocate and my dad was IN the steak house business for decades, probably while yours was scrubbing and polishing floors. He had a triple by-pass age 69, dead at 79 heart attack, meat is one of the worst artery clogging foods there is, lets not forget ecoli, mad cow which is suspected as a cause of alzheimers and all the rest.

[nothappyatall]

"Okay, really...are ya serious newster1? Just because those ranchers/feedlots are making money off their cattle that they don't care for them?
==

I have SEEN the videos, many of them, with my own eyes as well as the news reports and I have a friend who WORKED at Purdue's kill house where they process the birds. Animals are NOT humanely killed in all cases- it costs too much to stop the "line"
Oh yeah, I'm SURE the ranchers are all broken up emotionally about the whole thing.

"And, not all those cattle would have gone to slaughter. A lot of them are cows that are kept for breeding, not for slaughter.
Posted by redgreen68"

Yeah, ONE bull if even that, given the fact that AI and hiring a bull is cheaper and easier than maintaining your own just for breeding, then they would be keeping a certain percentage of cows in a herd for breeding, but these cows WILL eventually be killed the same way once they can't produce enough. Cows are kept in a constant state of pregnancy so they PRODUCE MILK, they are injected with hormones, antibiotics, growth injections towards this end and max weight gain.
Before you tell ME I'm ignorant Jack- I'm an animal welfare advocate and my dad was IN the steak house business for decades, probably while yours was scrubbing and polishing floors. He had a triple by-pass age 69, dead at 79 heart attack, meat is one of the worst artery clogging foods there is, lets not forget ecoli, mad cow which is suspected as a cause of alzheimers and all the rest.

[grazinggoat]

The 20,000 some troops to be sent to Iraq should rather be put at work here to give a hand to the farmers in this snowy desert, rather than getting killed in the sandy Iraqi one.

[cozypeg]

i think pepole need to stop and think about hard we got hit here in southeatern colo,there is no animal, that desevres to die from strvation we have had to go thru drought and now this.so we need support from others and help if you were to be put in this situation you would like some help to.i am glad the national gaurd came out to help the framers.all living things have rights no matter what kind dog,cow etc.please have a little heart dont dis living things.please keep your hateful comments to your self until you live thru what we have to
thank you again for the help

[alamo81]

it is sad--sorry for all concerned

on a lighter note---to the lady on the old wendys commercial----i know where the beef is

[anushamoon]

All right. Obviously most of you people who are posting these comments do not realize what the weather is like in Colorado. Right now is suppose to be our driest part of the year. We do not usually get very much snow on the plains or the front range. The wettest time of the year is in february to april. These storms were not projected to be this heavy. When the reporters determined that it was going to be this that bad it was too late to get the cattle in. So please have sympothy for the cattle and the ranchers that are doing their best to keep the cattle alive and healthy. An not all of the cattle goes to the slaughter houses most of them are used for breeding. The ranchers would not do this on purpose. Have some compassion!

[olebd]

This should make the price of beef come down if they can process them fast enough. Then again, they are already preserved in ice.

Well I hope they hurry up and help those animals I'm getting hungry for some angus steaks....I don't care what the price is, it does not matter

[sanfelz]

I have personal knowledge that small towns in Kansas and Nebraska still have no electricity or are enduring rolling brownouts. Further, stores are out of food and medical facilities are short of medication. But the National Guard is in Iraq getting killed to keep electricity flowing there.FEMA fails again. Are these the same farmers and ranchers who criticized the people of New Orleans for being unable to help themselves?

[pixelslinger]

and, by the way, animals aren't people. If you're going to use Singer's definition of Cruelty and apply it to animals, there's no way to get to the end of that sentiment without saying "Animals should have the same rights as people!" Natural Law fallacy aside, animals are not people - and what makes people distinct is their ability to exercise rational capacity and physiological processing. Show me a cow that can pity itself with an understanding of injury, pain, love, or even kindred with a capacity even close to that of human beings and you might have an argument. Show me a pig that can read, reflect, display FAITH, understands right from wrong - then I'll swear off bacon for good.

[pixelslinger]

Ignorance part II -

1) Global Warning is not a made-up event. It is ONLY contradicted in mainstream media. ANY peer-reviewed scientific/scholarly journal research done (this includes over 20,000 studies)has found NO contradictions with climatological models and archival research that has documented the evidence of global warming, how it is created, and how it can be curbed.

If your idea of educational research is Television, seriously - go back to school and insist that they prepare you for a scientifically literate workforce.

2) The economy? Increase in prices? Well that's a convenient excuse, except for the fact that we pay to store tens of thousands of tons of excess food, including chicken and beef, every year to keep the market price higher and lend strength to the economy. Not to mention subsidies, Federal grazing fees at 1/10th the price of commercial, and the fact that the vast majority of meat produced are under one of four multi-billion dollar farming conglomorates. There are a dozen safeguards to protect meat futures short of everything but a pandemic or international ban on US Beef due to mad cow. Any price raising that isn't inflation/fuel cost related is pure profiteering.

[michaure]

You'd think after Katrina we'd be more prepared for something like this.

GO BUSH! (go away)