BENNETT COUNTY, S.D. (KELO.com) — The foot of snow received in Bennett County, South Dakota is a double edged sword according to Laura Hicks. Mike and Laura Hicks ranch north of Martin, South Dakota. They both grew up on cattle ranches. Mike’s parents ranched the land they have now but lost it in the 80’s. Mike and Laura started buying the land back in 1992 when they were married.
Laura told KELO Radio News they spent the summer praying for rain. Hay production was about a third of their normal crop because of the drought this year. Pastures that would normally hold cattle all summer, could only hold them for a couple months. The Hicks family isn’t a stranger to weathering a drought. 15 years ago they sold the majority of their cattle and had to rebuild.
Photo credit: Laura Hicks
Photo credit: Laura Hicks
Laura says this weekend they are busy shoveling out barn doors and feed bunks as well as breaking ice on water tanks. Because the snow is so deep, between cattle and sheep, it takes most of the day to get them all fed.
Calling herself a positive person by nature, Laura adds that having a deep faith helps when ranchers are dependant on elements out of their control such as the weather and markets. While the work load increases from the snow, the need for moisture now gives greater hope to green grass in the spring.
You can read more about Laura and her ranch living at www.laurahicks.org
