CRAWFORD, TX — The town of Crawford saw more than 5 inches of snow on Sunday, and outside of town, the farms and ranches were covered as far as the eye can see.
However, in rural Central Texas snow can spell trouble.
Scott Pearson, a rancher says, "we've been here since the early 90s and we've never seen this much snow."
For Pearson and other Central Texas ranchers, a winter storm brings new challenges to an already demanding profession.
"I'm not as young as I used to be so I get cold quicker, but we put it all on. It serves dual-purpose, keeps you warm and provides protection." Pearson says.
When the weather turns cold- and gets covered with a blanket of snow, the cattle can't feed on the natural pasture, meaning Pearson and his son have to brave the elements to make sure the cattle are fed.
"Our cattle are in good body condition and good health right now so by keeping them in good health throughout the year, we don't have to immensely change our routine."
Pearson says the biggest risk comes as new calves are born into the herd during the cold weather.
"The risk there is that they start calving in this type of weather depending on how quickly the mom can get back to them, we have lost calves unfortunately in the past."
Even in the midst of some hard, cold labor, he says it's great to take a moment and admire the work mother nature can do.
"You get to stop and look across the countryside and see how blessed we are and really how majestic it is."
Pearson said they also had to clear some ice from around their pond, saying the cattle need protection and a clear path to water.
