The extended cold spell we have been experiencing is something we have not had for a few years. Oftentimes this severe cold weather prompts radio and TV newscasts to remind us of items such as keep your pets inside and how to care for your pets during the cold weather.

For the most part, the effects of severe cold weather on livestock operations go unmentioned. Consider that, regardless of what temperature it is, farmers need to milk cows, feed livestock and all of the other routine barn work on a daily basis.

Some people may think that cold weather is tough just on the animals. Wrong!

Actually cold weather does not bother the animals — as long as they are cared for they are satisfied. If anything, maybe a little more energy in the feed ration and shelter will suit them quite well.

Essentially, cold weather is tougher on the operators/producers of the farm than on the animals.

All non Amish farms today are mechanized. Today's farms have skid loaders, tractors, manure spreaders, barn cleaners, silo unloaders, milking equipment, etc. The problem with all of the equipment is that nothing works well in sub-zero temperatures. Farmers that are tending to livestock find that each job takes twice as long as normal. Sometimes by the time all the chores are done, it is time to start over again.

Each day presents its own set of problems.

Frozen water lines or broken water bowls probably greet many producers each morning. Starting tractors and thawing or "breaking loose" manure spreaders would be another time-consuming job, not to mention the additional time required to scrape everything clean so that is will be easier to break loose the next day.

Some farmers will discover that the belt, bearing, chain or switch will need replaced on the coldest day, due to frozen conditions. This may require climbing 60 feet up the silo with tools to make the repair.

These are just a few of the things that must be done during extended cold periods. Bear in mind that milking, feeding, hauling manure and grinding feed are not optional. These are not jobs you can wait until it warms up to do. Farmers know their equipment and livestock need maintained and most have developed a system that lets them get through these cold snaps with some degree of difficulty and continue to produce at normal levels.