Snow Days Not an Option for Cove Farmers

A snowstorm blew through the Cove on Sunday, bringing with it sub-zero temperatures that were experienced the following three days. 

While those conditions are not favorable to most of the population, some people continue to work and fulfill their responsibilities outdoors because they are essential to keeping the community operational. 

First responders, linemen, police officers, plow truck drivers, airport employees, and many others brave the cold and the elements so that life can go on as "normal."

Another group of individuals who keep the Cove evolving during unpleasant weather are those who work in the agricultural industry. This includes milk truck drivers, feed mill employees, agricultural supply carriers, veterinarians, and of course, farmers. 

Just like in human medicine, animals are not selective about when they get sick. 

Vets are on call for emergencies every hour of the day and 365 days a year. 

Dr. Jennifer Kauf is a large animal veterinarian who works at Dairyside Veterinary Service in Curryville. For her, the winter weather and brutal cold have taught hard lessons and made her more appreciative.

"I have never been more grateful to live in an era of heated clothing and creature comforts," she said. "I think back to when I started eighteen years ago and there was very little to keep us warm other than layers upon layers."

In addition to responding to emergencies, Kauf and the other veterinarians at Dairyside tend their usual rounds in extreme conditions, while taking additional steps to protect themselves from the cold. 

That means a good set of alpaca socks, some hand warmers, a neck gaiter, insulated coveralls, a heated vest, and insulated gloves, she said.

A heated lunch box plugged into the vet truck provides a warm meal to take off the chill, and cups of coffee or tea provided by caring clients make a huge difference. 

Following a snowstorm, keeping a bucket of ashes in the truck is a must as well, as it's often used for traction on icy lanes and driveways.  

Kauf said that providing medical care in severe conditions isn't just hard on vets, it presents a new set of challenges to their patients as well.

"I have learned the hard way that some procedures should not take place when the weather is severe," she said. "Sometimes we must reschedule or move to a garage or other space out of the wind and bitter cold and ask for a torpedo heater."

For local farmers, winter weather brings about extra responsibilities and everyday tasks become more time-consuming. 

The Sollenberger family at Sollendairy Farm focuses on maintaining their farm equipment and providing exceptional care for their cows despite challenging circumstances. 

"We make sure that the barns are clean and well-bedded for the cows and calves to ensure they are dry and stay warm," Lily Sollenberger said. "We also must make sure that all the water sources stay unthawed, so the cattle always have all the freshwater they want."

Giving skid loaders and tractors extra time to warm up before operating them allows them to function properly in extreme cold. 

Snow accumulation and high winds present a challenge to keeping farm lanes open.

"We have to make sure that our driveway is plowed to allow the milk trucks to safely get into the farm to pick up the milk," she said.

Despite the trials that winter brings to the Cove, Sollenberger strongly believes in her family's duty to care for their animals and ensure that they are healthy and safe. 

"Farming isn't easy, but we take pride in being able to watch a baby calf grow into a healthy cow and know we were a part of that process," she said. "Farming isn't for everyone, but for us it's everything."

The saying "nothing lasts forever" applies to the winter weather too. Within a few months, the snow will be gone, temps will rise, and the Cove will once again be swarming with tractors and other farm machinery in preparation for the spring planting season. 

"Here is to hoping that it won't be too many more days that we can hear our frozen coveralls clacking against our boots," Kauf said. 

Writers's note: Allow me to say "thank you" to all the folks who keep agriculture running in the Cove.