Cattle and livestock had a difficult time staying warm and finding food. Photo by Liz Roll, FEMA

Severe winter weather has affected parts of the Plains and Southwestern states, with heavy snow that caused power outages in multiple states and left more than 60 people dead. Many areas were declared federal disasters.

Heavy snow and freezing temperatures are problematic for farmers, especially cattle ranchers prolific in the Midwest. Hay prices have gone up 300 percent since the storms, delivery costs have skyrocketed, and the quality of hay for animal feed has dropped at pace with its availability. Cold, ice and starvation are claiming cattle to the point where ranchers are concerned about significant losses at market.

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) has been working with middle governing bodies to meet the needs of affected communities. $50,000 from One Great Hour of Sharing funds has been provided to the Presbytery of Central Nebraska for immediate relief and long-term recovery needs related to the storms.

Missouri's ice storm took a toll on St. Louis relief agencies, especially food services groups. PDA provided One Great Hour of Sharing funds to the Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy to help restock food pantries. PDA is also working with presbyteries in Colorado and anticipates a response in Kansas.