Navigating winter hazards when the work still needs to get done
Texas Winter Weather Reality
Texas doesn't see constant winter weather, but ice storms, freezing rain, and occasional snowfall create dangerous conditions across the state. The Panhandle gets regular winter weather, while areas further south face periodic but severe events that often catch ranchers unprepared.
The key challenge is simple: Livestock don't know it's dangerous outside. They still need feeding, watering, and care regardless of conditions. That forces ranchers into hazardous situations that most Texans can simply avoid by staying home.
Slip, Trip, and Fall Hazards
The Numbers
Falls are the leading cause of winter weather injuries, and ranchers face elevated risk:
- Uneven terrain throughout pastures
- Working around livestock that may bump or crowd
- Carrying feed, tools, and equipment
- Operating in darkness (early mornings, late evenings)
- Ice hidden under snow or in shadows
Ice Types and Danger Levels
Fall Prevention
Footwear makes a real difference. Insulated rubber boots with aggressive tread belong on every rancher's feet during icy conditions. Smooth-soled cowboy boots have no place on ice, and worn-out boot soles need replacing before winter hits.
Walk with flat-footed contact rather than heel-to-toe. Keep your center of gravity over your feet, and keep your arms out for balance instead of stuffed in your pockets. Use handrails where they're available.
Test your footing before committing your weight. Be especially careful in shadows where ice persists, and remember that morning and evening are the highest-risk times.
Working Around Vehicles and Equipment
Vehicle Safety
Before heading out, check tire pressure (it drops in cold weather), test brakes before going downhill, make sure headlights and taillights are visible, and warm the engine before demanding full power.
On the road, increase following distance, accelerate and brake gently, and avoid sudden steering movements. If you start sliding, steer into the slide and don't brake hard. Downshift to slow down rather than braking on hills.
One thing worth remembering: ice defeats all-wheel-drive systems. Don't overestimate your vehicle's capabilities.
ATV/UTV in Snow and Ice
ATVs and UTVs are especially dangerous in winter conditions. Reduced traction leads to slides and rollovers, cold tires have less grip, snow hides obstacles like holes, ruts, and debris, and wind chill is extreme at speed.
Avoid ice entirely if possible and walk instead. Use low gear for better control, stay on familiar routes where you know the terrain, and consider chains for UTVs in snow. Helmets matter always, but especially in slick conditions.
Equipment Operation
Check hydraulics before starting since cold fluid is sluggish. Clean steps and platforms of ice, use three-point contact getting on and off, and watch for ice on slopes where rear-end slides can cause rollovers.
Icy surfaces under a loader can cause slides, bucket ice buildup creates problems, and grade changes become more dangerous than usual.
Breaking Ice: Essential Winter Task
The Hazards
Breaking ice in stock tanks and troughs is one of the most common, and most dangerous, winter ranch tasks:
- Splashing water soaks clothing and hands
- Standing on ice near water risks falling through
- Metal tools get extremely cold
- Static posture in cold while working
- Often done alone in remote locations
Safe Ice Breaking
Keep spare dry gloves in your pocket or vehicle. Break ice from the upwind side to minimize splash, and use long-handled tools to maintain distance.
Work from the edge, not over the water. Break outer edges first and work toward the center, then remove broken ice to prevent rapid refreezing. Avoid repetitive forceful swinging, which causes splashing and fatigue.
Insulated handle grips help, and you should keep metal from contacting bare skin. If you're breaking ice multiple times daily, heated waterers are worth the investment.
Wear waterproof gloves or rubber over insulated liners, eye protection from ice chips, and face protection from wind and splash.
When Livestock Crowd
Cattle often crowd around the water source during ice breaking. Maintain escape routes and don't put yourself between animals and water. Have someone watch the animals while you work, and work from outside the pen when possible.
Snow Management on the Ranch
Prioritize Clearing
Not everything needs to be cleared. Focus on:
- Emergency access routes
- Livestock feeding areas
- Paths to critical infrastructure
- Steps and platforms
- Equipment access
Shoveling Safety
Snow shoveling is strenuous exercise in cold conditions, a dangerous combination. Warm up before starting, lift with your legs instead of your back, and push snow rather than throwing it. Take frequent breaks. If you feel chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness, stop immediately.
Snow Load on Structures
Heavy snow can collapse barn roofs, especially older structures. Remove snow from roofs if safely possible, open doors to prevent pressure buildup, and don't park equipment under stressed structures. Inspect after the storm for damage.
Livestock Care in Snow and Ice
Feeding Challenges
Snow may bury supplemental feed, and animals need more calories in cold weather (12-15% more than normal). Feeding areas become muddy, then frozen. Hay rings and bunks may be inaccessible.
Plan ahead by elevating feed if snow is expected, moving feeders to accessible locations before the storm, and budgeting for increased feed consumption.
Water Access
Stock tanks freeze faster than expected. An ice layer prevents drinking, and dehydration occurs even in cold weather. Cows may not break thin ice themselves.
Solutions include tank heaters and de-icers, breaking ice multiple times daily, monitoring water consumption, and insulating tanks or switching to insulated models.
Shelter Considerations
Natural windbreaks may be inadequate. Wet animals are colder animals, newborns are especially vulnerable, and bedding gets wet and loses insulation value.
Provide dry bedding, move vulnerable animals to shelter, and check more frequently during storms.
Power Outage Preparedness
Texas winter storms often bring power outages. Plan for each of these critical systems.
Water Systems
Electric well pumps won't work and heated waterers will freeze. A manual backup water source is essential, whether that's gravity-fed or a hand pump option.
Heat
Barn heaters may fail, and heat lamps for young livestock need backup power. A generator for critical systems is worth the investment, but be aware of fire hazards when using alternate heating.
Lighting
Shorter days plus a power outage equals darkness. Flashlights and headlamps are essential. Use lanterns with caution due to fire risk, and check livestock by daylight when possible.
Emergency Preparedness
Vehicle Winter Kit
Keep in every ranch vehicle:
- Blankets
- Extra warm clothing
- Flashlight and batteries
- Non-perishable food
- Water
- First aid kit
- Phone charger
- Tow strap
- Jumper cables
- Shovel
- Bag of sand or kitty litter
- Ice scraper
- Flares or reflective triangles
If Stranded
- Stay with your vehicle
- Run engine for warmth intermittently (check exhaust isn't blocked)
- Move to stay warm
- Conserve phone battery for emergency calls
- Put out flares or turn on hazards if battery allows
- If walking out, tell someone and stay on the road
Communication Plan
Tell someone your plans before going out and establish check-in times with family. Cell coverage may be limited, so know your dead zones. Consider a satellite communicator for remote areas.
Regional Considerations
Texas Panhandle
Expect significant winter weather annually. Blowing snow and drifts are common, so prepare infrastructure for winter and stock up on supplies before the season arrives.
North Texas/Central Texas
Ice storms are more common than snow here. Less preparation means higher danger when events occur. Bridge and overpass ice catches drivers off guard, so don't assume you know how to handle it.
South Texas/Coastal Areas
Events are rare but can be severe. Infrastructure isn't designed for freezing temperatures, and pipes and livestock systems may be vulnerable. Take rare warnings seriously.
Bottom Line
Ice is the primary hazard on a Texas ranch in winter, more dangerous than snow for slip-and-fall injuries. Slow down everything: driving, walking, working. Proper footwear with good traction prevents injuries, and if you're breaking ice on stock tanks, waterproof gear and long-handled tools are non-negotiable. Don't stand on ice near water.
Livestock need more care when temperatures drop. That means increased feed, reliable water access, and adequate shelter. Power outages compound every one of these problems, so have backup plans in place before the storm hits.
Your vehicle can trap you just as easily as it can save you, so carry emergency supplies in every ranch truck. And above all, tell someone your plans. Winter is not the time to work alone.
Resources
- Texas Department of Transportation: Road conditions (drivetexas.org)
- National Weather Service: Winter storm warnings
- Texas AgriLife Extension: Winter livestock care
- Local county emergency management: Area-specific resources
