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 to keep our pets inside and how to care for 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 perform all of the other routine barn work on a daily basis.

Some people might think 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 or producers of the farm than on the animals.

All nonAmish 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 subzero temperatures.

Farmers who 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 is another time-consuming job, not to mention the additional time required to scrape everything clean so it will be easier to break loose tomorrow. Some farmers will discover the belt, bearing, chain or switch will need replaced on the coldest day because of the frozen conditions. This could require climbing 60 feet up the silo with tools to make the repair.

Subzero temperatures definitely create difficult environments for machinery, and these are just a few things that must be done during extended cold periods.

Bear in mind, milking, feeding, hauling manure and grinding feed are not optional. These are not jobs you can put off until it warms up.

Farmers know their equipment and livestock needs very well, and most have developed a system that helps them get through these cold snaps — albeit with some degree of difficulty — and continue to produce at normal levels.

Luke Fritz is executive director of the Butler County Farm Service Agency.