Tough Day for Cattle???

[Happytrails]

The storm hit here in EC Alta at about 4 AM. By daylight the temp had dropped to -20C and the wind was 40 km according to the nearest highway cam. I've got a herd of pairs grazing bales a mile east of the yard and was wondering if we should try to do something for them. They have no shelter except some bales and have been coming in to the yard for water. They weren't hanging on the south fence so we decided to wait and see if they would want fed at home. Some started showing up to water and then going BACK OUT. So we left well enough alone and they are all still out there tonite. I had already been impressed by how stand offish the cows were close to home but today their dedication to freedom is amazing. Also their ability to withstand windchill. Anyway they will end up in the feedyard before long and we will wean before the New Year. And apparently they will then joyfully bid adieu 3 days later to return to the frozen tundra. They will have some wind protection. A day like this confirms that well haired cattle are adapted to this environment given a few advantages.