SIDNEY -- First there were several inches of snow, and wind, dumped on the Panhandle Region. Then the sub-zero temperatures arrived with the wind, causing ranchers to work overtime for the safety of their livestock.

On December 19, weather services predicted a severe drop in temperature and a return of high winds for mid-day. The arctic front is expected to remain in the Panhandle area through Friday morning. The National Weather Service reported Sidney's temperature December 22 at -12 with a windchill of -42.

According to the Mayo Clinic, frostbite can occur in as little as 30 minutes with windchill temperatures below zero. 

However, livestock typically have much stronger endurance.

Recent days have had residents and agriculture producers battling snow and high winds followed by bitter temperatures and sustained winds. Preparing for heavy snow and cold temperatures requires a three-prong approach, according to local farmers and ranchers.

Tyson Narjes and his family live southwest of Sidney.  He said when storms are predicted such as the area is experiencing setting windbreaks and providing nutrition are the first two steps. He said for every degree below 30ºF, cattle need an additional percent of feed to maintain body warmth. He said this year is a challenge because the ongoing drought has pushed up the price of feed.

"Just because the it's expensive doesn't mean you cut corners," Narjes said.

The prep stage includes making sure cattle have available water and windbreaks. 

"It's all about making them comfortable," he said.

He said some breeds are more adaptable in cold weather than others. Survivability is an equation of genetics, adapting to the environment, and preparing them with proper feed, water and shelter. 

He said typically if they're mature cows, they're tough; the exceptions are the young calves to 300-400 lb. size, and cattle that are sick.

Brandi Van Raay lives south of Potter with her husband and son. She says living the farm life is a lot of work done because of the passion for farming.

"You only do it if you absolutely love it," Van Raay said. "I was out in elements people can't imagine being out in. It is my responsibility."

Whitney Hurt, works with her brother and her dad in a cattle operation in the area. She said they are still trying to overcome last week's snowfall, and now sub-zero temperatures complicate operations. The recent blizzard resulted in snow drifts that are packed hard enough cattle can walk over fences. 

She said they move livestock trailers to build windbreaks for the cattle. 

"Getting windbreaks is huge," she said.

Maintaining machinery is also an important task with farming. Hurt said keeping diesel additives to prevent fuel from gelling is critical.