Phillips County ranchers are calving along with all of Montana. Only they are battling 4 feet plus snow that has been slowly melting off, with regular wind and low temperatures. This past weekend they received more snow as usual, but along with blizzard conditions. With the heavy winds the temperatures dropped down into the low twenties sat. night, 4/2. 4/3, more rain and snow.
Unlike the winter of 1886-87 when C.M. Russell painted his famous "Waiting for a Chinook" water color, ranchers today have access to extra hay as needed and vehicles to get it to their herds. But otherwise, this winter may just go down in history much like that one. It's been long and hard with roads closed and isolation. And after looking after the cattle all winter, cattleman now must work their extra long hours as calves are born in the winter that won't seem to quit. But God has been good and answering prayers right along from November 2010 to April 2011. Neighbors come together and help each other regularly. It has been a bonding experience for everyone, from town to the prairies. Flooding continues to be held back by His Good Hand and calves attended to as needed.
This past weekend our Uncle Jim, south of Malta, had his extra help ride in 15 miles to his ranch on horseback with a packhorse. It took 3 1/2 hours, but they were thankful he made it. Now he is on the job and relieving Uncle Jim and the Mat, who lives there with his family and works with him. They live at the end of a 15 mile gumbo rode on which gravel simply sinks into and disappears. No matter how much they've applied in the past. This winter they've experienced more whiteout than ever, also making it impossible to go anywhere. And now with some spring thaw that has been occurring - mud, standing water and the winter long snow that still is present, and increased upon, since November, traveling any extra distance than to livestock just doesn't happen. They have been snowed in now "a long time," about 1 1/2 months. Let alone all of the other stretches of time over the past white months.
They had extra hay hauled in this past month which they are also thankful for. Though they have a long distance to travel to feed the herd, as they are "snowed in" out on the prairie in a sheltered area. Today Dad is taking out staples he and Mom picked up at the grocery store for Uncle Jim, Aunt Maralee and the others there on the ranch. Matt will meet Dad out by the highway on the tractor.
Saturday night's blizzard was tough, but they didn't lose any calves. Praise the Lord! This always raises the spirits! With a dry bed of hay and shelter they do well, thanks to the hard working men, and women who support them from home. The low temperatures and wind also evaporated some of the water, a blessing. Less muck. The calves will need some sunshine to keep their respiratory systems healthy now. They have about 50 calves, as of April 3rd, of a herd of over 600 head. Prayers for sunshine and a slow thaw welcome!
The Johnsons, neighbors to the south, have also been snowed in a long time. Their son, Ray, made it in to Malta this weekend for groceries. They are thankful for that. Other neighbors there in the Bennett Lake area (also from friends from church, like the Johnsons) have their elderly parents they are also looking after during this calving season. They've had plenty of hay, but also, must make a long trek every day out to the herd.
We are praying for you, cattlemen and families of eastern Montana! You've got heart!
These are just a couple of stories of friends and families there in Phillips County. I can't seem to find any articles regarding this winter they've been experiencing. But here is a blog from March with pictures that give a pretty good idea.
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