Forum Discussion
16 Replies
- Yes there have been record snowfalls, especially in western South Dakota and on westward. Despite all that rain and snow we are still in a drought.
Since our early October 2 foot snowfall, we, being slightly south of that region have had 2 good solid rainfalls and one 5 inch snowfall, again...we are very thankful. It has helped dampen the ground so when you dig a fence post you actually find moisture 2' down whereas in past years we did not.
It is hard to say how the rest of the winter will be but we are hoping it won't be a dry mild winter leading into an even drier spring and summer. After several years of drought in a row everyone is struggling to survive.
Not only drought but last season's fires that took out precious grass that did not regrow because the rains did not come--pushed ranchers to sell 1/2 their cattle herds to buy hay. Then the other shoe dropped this year...most folks were blessed with enough rain for hay to grow but pastures were ruined from too many years of drought that just turned to weeds that will not support livestock. Reseeding can be done but without rain for that grass to sprout...some will take decades to recover, therefore keeping herds smaller. However our devastating blizzard in early October killed over 100,000 cattle in SD, NE, & WY. We didn't lose any because we have shelter in the hills and creek bottoms but the folks in western SD who still had cattle out in the prairie in summer pasture lost as much as 1/2 their herds.
Folks can sit in other areas and watch the storms, be glad they aren't in them but in reality...what happens here affects everyone...a real beef shortage could happen unless we have more normal precipitation in the next few years in the high prairie regions. (west of the Missouri River) - I am guessing that we are currently experiencing autumn which will transition into winter before heading into spring. I forecast snow, rain, wind and or sunshine depending upon your current location. All joking aside have you read up on the excuses as to why the hurricane forecasters were so wrong? I will sum it up "well it is a long range guess and we really have no idea what is going to happen more than 3 days out".
- Lots of snow indicates lots of moisture which indicates warm air from southwest which indicates warmer winter. But then weathermen usually indicate as well so anyone else want to "indicate". :B
- We have seen a lot of woolly bears already.
- Just sitting down there in Flordia grinning aren't you......:)
