It has been a tough month for cattle producers in Nebraska as  strong winter storms with blizzard conditions gave much of Nebraska a heavy blanket of snow, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Nebraska Field Office.

The USDA reported that corn harvest progressed slowly during the last half of the month as heavy drifting in the eastern third of the state currently limits corn harvest. During the second week temperatures turned bitter cold and averaged 18 degrees below normal with precipitation in the form of heavy snow. The last week temperatures averaged nine degrees below normal with precipitation in the form of freezing rain and snow.

Livestock care was difficult with producers using hay and other supplemental feeds due to ice and snow cover and extreme low temperatures.

Depth of snow at the end of December averaged eight inches across the state with the Northeast District reporting the largest amount of snow cover at nearly 20 inches and the East Central District recording 13 inches. Much of the western half of the state recorded only minimal amounts of snow cover.

Temperatures averaged below normal the entire month. During the last week of the month, soil temperatures ranged from a low of 24 in western parts of the state to a high of 34 in the east.

Corn harvested was at 96 percent complete compared to 93 percent for the week ending December 20, 2009. Wheat conditions statewide rated 0 percent very poor, 2 poor, 33 fair, 61 good, and 4 excellent, below last year.

Hay and forage supplies rated 0 percent very short, 6 short, 90 adequate, and 4 excellent, near a year ago.

Cattle and calves condition rated 0 percent very poor, 2 poor, 20 fair, 75 good, and 3 excellent, below last year’s 83 percent good or excellent.

In central Nebraska, snow, cold, and wind have challenged cow-calf producers who are calving now. The weather has also slowed all livestock production and increased feed requirements. Grain farmers with corn still in the fields are finding north rows and/or end rows with snow drifts up to the tassels, restricting harvest.