By Julie Tomascik

Freezing temperatures. Sleet. Ice-covered fields, pastures and roads. Winter Storm Landon has arrived in the Lone Star State.

But the harsh winter variables are just a part of farming and ranching.

Chores must still be done, like putting out hay and feed. Range cubes, liquid feed and alfalfa provide extra nutrition that help livestock maintain appropriate body temperatures.

Ranchers even break ice in tanks and water troughs.

They check on livestock, especially those that are heavy bred. This critical time in livestock production means more frequent trips to the pasture to keep an eye on newborns.

And farmers monitor their crops, hoping the freeze doesn’t kill the plants before they have a chance to grow.

It’s cold days. Long hours. And extra layers of clothes.

Winter is tough on all of us, but farmers and ranchers still brave the bitter temperatures and biting winds of the winter storm.

The winter storm shows use the truth strength and unwavering dedication of Texas farmers and ranchers. Despite the physical and mental toll, ranchers keep going. Because it’s just what they do.

Williamson County Farm Bureau members Travis and Kaylin Isbell make sure their sheep and cattle have hay and feed, as well as access to water, during the winter storm.