South Dakota rancher rescued after battling blizzard for more than a day

Ryan Spartz 1280x720.jpg

Photo via Brooklyn Shandell Gran Facebook page

Producers across the Midwest have been pummeled with snow and extreme wintry conditions for more than a week now. The storm is taking a toll on both cattle and producers.

It has left many stranded, whether at home or on highways. For one South Dakota rancher, he was found stuck in a pasture.

Rodney Paulson is an elderly rancher who got stuck after going out to feed his cattle. Thankfully, his neighbor spotted him, but the conditions were too extreme for his equipment to manage. This meant Paulson had to stay in his tractor overnight, but thankfully he had fuel and heat.

The neighbor, Gus Gran, worked endlessly to find someone with big enough equipment to get to Paulson. Then comes in trucker, Ryan Spartz. He was driving a tracked tractor during the storm hoping to get across South Dakota.

Using Spartz’ tractor, they were able to reach Paulson by blowing through snow drifts. They called it “a cakewalk.”

After more than 27 hours stranded in the field, Paulson was rescued.

Story via Carter Schmidt with Keloland

Related Stories
The non-profit organization is helping feed communities while creating pathways for at-risk youth.
The Purdue student team joins us to discuss how they developed Soy-Seal, their innovative soybean-based adhesive tape, and its potential ag impact.
Vermicompost business helps boost soil health from the ground up.
Georgia Grown Marketing Coordinator Happy Wyatt has spent the past 20 years teaching young students about agriculture and its connection to their everyday lives.
“Flat FFA members” help students share life and agriculture across states
To celebrate the release of A Beautiful Life, Dailey & Vincent are giving one fan the chance to win an unforgettable Nashville experience!

Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
SharkFarmer TV is the brainchild of Rob Sharkey, a 5th-generation farmer from Illinois. He shares the stories of incredible people in agriculture—both their successes and perhaps a few blunders along the way. You’ll see aerial footage of the field just as the drone crashes into a barn—and hear the story behind it all.
FarmHER + RanchHER on RFD-TV is working to change how people perceive a farmer by sharing the stories of the women who live and lead in agriculture.
The affable and unassuming international singing star Daniel O’Donnell is one of Ireland’s best known performers – from Australia to Alaska.
Ray’s Roadhouse is a weekly program featuring the music of Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel. Ray and his band Asleep at the Wheel has had a more than 50 year career in the music industry and over the years have earned nine Grammy Awards. The program also will feature guest performers such as Pat Green, Stoney LaRue and Kelly Willis.
Hosted by Agriculture Broadcaster Brian Baxter, RFD Network’s popular series “Classic Tractor Fever” is a must-see for any tractor enthusiast. It’s the place to find the history, stories, and passion of collectors who preserve these beautiful and amazing pieces of our agricultural past.