How Oklahoma rancher keeps cattle warm during winter storm

Record-breaking cold temperatures create risks for people working outdoors. In the case of Oklahoma's cattle industry, it also creates challenges for herds.

"We make sure these things are fed and watered and bedded and healthy and as comfortable as we can make them," said Brett Singleton, a cowman who works at Express Ranches in Yukon. "Because when we take care of them, they are going to take care of us. So, just the time and effort and the love we have for these creatures is overwhelming to some folks that they might not see on a daily basis."

Ranches are currently in calving season. Across its thousands of acres, vice president of operations Kevin Hafner said Express Ranches runs "a lot" of cattle.

"This is tough," he said, talking about this week's weather. "I'm not going to lie. This is tough on cattle and tough on clientele and help, and [we] try to make the best of it."

Colder temperatures can sometimes induce calves to be birthed sooner. Temperature changes can be a source of stress for cows, Hafner explained. The ranch's help work in 2-hour rotations monitoring the calving process.

"But they're looking forward to it being over with," Hafner added.

On Wednesday, Singleton gave a tour of one of the ranch's pastures, with roughly 70 cows, rolling out hay and explaining how he cares for the herd. The pasture he toured also had a windbreak in the form of a treeline, which he said helps protect the cattle.

"We tend to do everything for the livestock before we do it for ourselves," he said. "Looking forward to some warmer weather for sure."

In general, ranchers also provide extra nutrients to cows in extreme cold to ensure they have enough energy to stay warm.