Snowstorms and frosts in the high areas of the Argentine Patagonia Rio Negro province could cause the death of 70% of the flock,
according to estimates from the provincial Livestock Secretariat, Tabaré Bassi.
Officials made a first estimate of losses in the snow covered highlands, but will have to wait until October for a more exact estimate. “Any how we are talking of at least 100,000 sheep and 5,000 cattle”.
The victims of the intense snowfall and frosts are mostly small farmers with flocks no larger than 250 head, said Bassi, “which makes it a serious survival challenge”.
“We estimate that the worse losses are along the mountainous terrain between 1,000 and 1,300 meters above sea level, while at sea level we can expect sheep mortality in the range of 30%”.
Bassi said the main problem are the small farmers in the highlands who make some money out of wool and survive winter feeding on mutton.
Thanks to Laurel for this link
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August 23, 2020 at 06:56PM
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