Dear Texas Ranchers

As I listened to the news this morning, with the sun melting away the little frost off my front steps, I heard you are in the midst of a winter storm that only hits your ranges once in a few years.  I got to thinking that this could be our fault if our weather gate got left open and all our usual winter weather headed south for the season.

Up north here we are dealing with an unusual weather pattern ourselves, mild and sunny- something we aren’t sure how to handle in the heart of winter.  I’m not sure if we signed up for some sort of life swap without actually singing our names to it but I thought I would write a note to lend a little advice for the cold weather you are facing.

When the temperatures really start to drop and it is coupled with a little wind, snow or both, we like to pull out what we call a coat.  Something heavy duty, wind proof, waterproof and that will keep in all the toasty body heat.  I know down south you probably don’t have the selection we do hanging up in your closets, and with the current mindset of civilization these days, the stores were robbed of everything on the hanger, so just do the best you can.

Under that nice warm coat, you need to have a few layers.  You can choose between a button up shirt, nice hoodie, heated vest or even all three.  Layers are going to help you navigate the spectrum between “I’m absolutely freezing right now” and “These layers are working and I’m sweating hot.”  I know you are used to the one extreme of never feeling the chill, so having to decide how many layers is necessary might take some trial and error.  I’m gonna guess that this storm will be over before you finally get that skill dialed in.

Gloves are going to be an absolute must.  They aren’t going to be as much about keeping your hands clean and dry and more about keeping the blood flowing through them so they don’t fall off.  If you don’t already have the top of the line, leather insulated, fluffy lined gloves we northerners use, you might just have to pile on pairs of cotton gloves under your usual ranch gloves.  

There is a lot to be said about a Texas cowboys fashion, but I’m here to tell you that when the thermometer drops, fashion goes out the window for function.  Instead of a cowboy hat, yes we applaud you for at least turning in the straw hat for a felt one, you had better grab something thick and wooly to keep your ears covered and hang on to all that heat your hot head is letting off (not to say your hot headed, unless this storm is bringing out the best in you). 

Those fancy wild rags are going to be less of a statement about your own personalized style and more a statement about just how dang cold it is outside.  Keep that knot snug and tight to keep the wind from sneaking in from any direction.

You’re going to need to trade in your cowboy boots for a pair of arctic weather mucks.  Tromping through the snow and ice isn’t made for just your everyday boots.  They are going to require a little refinement in both the heating and traction departments.

Now that you have a better idea of how to dress for real winter weather, why don’t I offer a little practical advice to new challenges your work is going to offer.  Cows are going to eat more in the cold, it’s how they stay warm.  So plan on spending extra time and feed to keep the herd happy.  I think we all can relate that hangry + cold is a bad combination, even for a cow.

Those cold snowy days are hard to calve in, I know.  It’s going to take a watchful eye to keep those babies warm and moving.  It’s too bad you aren’t set up to watch them come in with the convenience of the cameras we have set up so we can stay in our nice warm cozies.  Maybe in 10 years when the next big storm rolls through you can get it set up for the few cold days that will come with it.  Until then, just keep heading outside.  I promise it will end.  Sometime.  Just not soon enough.

Not having insulated troughs is probably a real bummer for you now.  I’m sure you didn’t ever really think you would need it but here you are toasting pipes and breaking ice for the herd to get a drink.  A silver lining of it all- I bet you aren’t cold anymore as you break open the last patch of ice.  In fact, I bet as you were ax hacking away, you worked through your layers, appreciating each one along the way, until you were down to your sweaty undershirt.  Just hurry and put it back on before your sweat freezes.

A final note to your wife-  The rancher in your life is likely going to do some bizarre things do manage this cold weather and you are just going to have to roll with it.  Paths to and through the fields are going to be a priority before your driveway.  You weren’t going anywhere in this storm anyway, right?  There is probably going to be a calf in your bath tub and your nice towels will likely be used to dry off another before he starts to freeze.  Nod your head, say yes dear, and just pray for both your sakes that the storm hurries through.  

All jokes aside, whether you are in Idaho or Texas, ranching in the cold and snow is no easy feat.  We see the struggles you are going through genuinely wish it wasn’t so challenging.  Spending nearly every hour trying to keep the herd healthy and alive is taxing, but that is what we were made for.  We are the type of breed that doesn’t give up when times get tough.  Through the wins and losses, we double down.  Keep in the fight.  We are praying for you.

Sincerely, 

An Idaho rancher’s wife