Winter storm kills 1,600 dairy cows in Lower Yakima Valley

Yakima Herald-Republic

Dairy farmers in the Lower Yakima Valley are continuing to dig out from Saturday’s snowstorm.

About 1,600 dairy cows died in the storm, representing $2 million in damages, said Chelsie Riordan, spokeswoman for the Dairy Farmers of Washington.

Some area dairy farmers have been able to save their cows, as well as keep roads open to deliver milk.

“It’s a serious butt-kicking for us,” said Bill Walvrin, who has more than 3,000 head of cows at his dairy farm south of Sunnyside. He said extra staff have come out to ensure the cattle are fed and sheltered, and working to keep roads around the farm open.

He said dairy farmers have also helped plow off some of the county roads, keeping them open.