Counting their losses in the Dakotas; first rancher suicide

"The first rancher I know of committed suicide yesterday," said Mike McIntyre. "This is just a devastating time." McIntyre, a full-time veterinarian in Sioux Falls, partners in ranching operations in both the eastern and western parts of South Dakota. He had about 800 pair of cattle prior to the stormy weekend of Oct. 4. At this point he still doesn't have a clear count as to how many of his cattle are alive. He said rains and snowmelt have flooded creeks and many ranchers have been unable to reach their herds to see if they are alive or dead. McIntyre estimated he's lost 50 to 60 head at this point. That includes cows, calves and a bull. "I believe losses are going to come in well over the state estimates we're hearing," McIntyre said. "Within a few miles of two of my places there are over 2,000 dead alone."  The early-October storm responsible for the tragedy dropped 2 to 4 feet of snow on unsuspecting ranchers in western South Dakota. The snowfall was joined by winds that blew at 70 to 80 miles per hour and piled drifts 7 to 8 feet tall, burying cattle and driving many onto the roadways seeking higher ground.  At this point in recovery, Oedekoven said he is very concerned about animal health. The immune system is depressed after an event like this, he said, creating the perfect opportunity for disease and health issues. He urged producers to watch surviving cattle closely and catch any signs of illness early. Keep surviving cattle away from streams that are contaminated by carcasses, as well as the carcasses themselves...more