With daily low temperatures expected to fall below zero later this weekend and no snowfall forecasted in the area for the next week, local farmers are paying attention to the lack of snow coverage on their fields this winter.  Rich Olson of Olson Family Farm in southern Door County says with no snow cover, crops like alfalfa and winter wheat could suffer damage to their roots if bitter cold temperatures exist over some time. 

Olson notes that fluctuations in weather temperatures can also be challenging for cattle on the farmstead. Farmers are conscious of proper ventilation during varying temperatures this time of year to ensure enough fresh air is circulating through barns and that the moist air is vented outside to prevent possible respiratory diseases in the herd.