In October 2013, Storm Atlas devastated livestock farmers in South Dakota, killing over 40,000 head of cattle. This was an unprecedented loss, and farmers in the region are still picking up the pieces and recovering. On a special episode of The Farm Report, Erin Fairbanks checks in Silvia Christen of the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association who details the events and response that followed the storm and gives an update on the current state of livestock farmers in South Dakota. This program was brought to you by Cain Vineyard & Winery.

“We had carcasses on highways. We had dead animals littering our landscape. We had live animals that still needed to be taken care of that were the main priority, and yet there was still so much work to be done.” [18:00]

“It’s important for people to understand where beef comes from. In South Dakota – we’re the first step in that supply chain. We are growing the calfs that go on to be the beef you see in the grocery store.” [23:00]

“I hope people who enjoy their beef and like a good steak will stick with it and purchase beef products because that’s what will help us rebuild” [24:00]

–Silvia Christen on The Farm Report

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