Winter storm not a big worry for Dakotas ranchers

SIOUX FALLS (AP) — Snow and cold blowing through the Dakotas is not presenting any unexpected worries for ranchers.

Last year, a blizzard in early October that hit with surprising intensity killed at least 43,000 cattle in western South Dakota and southwestern North Dakota. But that storm hit early in the season, when cattle didn’t have their heavy winter coats.

South Dakota Stockgrowers Association President Bob Fortune says it’s late enough in the fall now that cattle are “haired up like bears.” And he says this storm is only bringing a few inches of snow — not a few feet like the October 2013 blast.

Fortune says this time of year, ranchers expect to be dealing with winter weather.