Spring Storm Drenches Upper Midwest Cattle Producers

Heavy snow and rain during peak calving season create challenges for ranchers

Apr. 6, 2026 at 9:53pm

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones of white, grey, and blue, depicting a vast, snowy expanse with a few indistinct structures barely visible in the distance, conveying the overwhelming scale and power of the winter storm.The powerful spring storm that swept across the upper Midwest underscores the challenges cattle producers face in managing their herds during unpredictable weather events.Fargo Today

A spring storm system brought heavy snow and rain to the upper Midwest in early April, striking the region during the peak of calving season for cattle producers. The wet conditions made it difficult to care for newborn calves, with concerns about potential health issues in the coming days. However, the moisture from the storm may also benefit crops and pastures in the long run.

Why it matters

Cattle producers in the upper Midwest rely on the spring calving season to grow their herds, and severe weather during this critical time can have significant impacts on livestock health and productivity. The storm highlights the challenges ranchers face in managing their operations amid unpredictable weather patterns.

The details

The storm dropped over a foot of wet, heavy snow in parts of central North Dakota and western Minnesota, with some areas receiving up to 17.5 inches. The snow continued eastward into central and north central Minnesota. While livestock losses were not reported to be major, the wet conditions made it difficult for ranchers to access their herds and provide feed. There are also concerns about potential health issues, such as scours, in the newborn calves that were stressed by the storm.

  • The storm hit the region on April 3-4, 2026.
  • The storm occurred during the peak of calving season in March and April.

The players

Brian Zimprich

North Dakota State University Extension agriculture and natural resources agent for Ransom County.

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What they’re saying

“I'm sure that there probably were some calves lost here or there, but since there was little wind and conditions stayed relatively warm, it probably wasn't as bad as it could have been.”

— Brian Zimprich, North Dakota State University Extension agriculture and natural resources agent

“I'm going to say we're going to see some health issues here in the next seven to 10 days as a result of this.”

— Brian Zimprich, North Dakota State University Extension agriculture and natural resources agent

What’s next

Cattle producers in the affected areas will be closely monitoring their herds for any health issues that may arise in the coming days and weeks due to the stress of the storm.

The takeaway

This storm serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of weather and the challenges that cattle producers in the upper Midwest face in managing their operations during critical times of the year. While the moisture from the storm may benefit crops and pastures in the long run, the immediate impacts on newborn calves and the ability to care for livestock highlight the need for resilient and adaptable farming practices.