Watch CBS News

Blizzard

cow-generic.jpg

Shutdown Cuts Funds To SD Farmers Dealing With 20K+ Cattle Death

Two 20-foot-deep disposal pits opened in western South Dakota on Monday to help ranchers dispose of tens of thousands of livestock carcasses piling up since an early October blizzard decimated herds. Up to 4 feet of snow fell in the Black Hills area during the storm, killing at least 10,000 to 20,000 head of livestock, state officials say. The South Dakota Stockgrowers Association estimates this part of the state lost at least 5 percent of its cattle, which is mostly raised for beef. Normally, the federal government would provide financial assistance to ranchers in a crisis of this magnitude, but the farm bill expired during the government shutdown.

Show More
View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.