The recent cold snap in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has dealt a huge blow to the area's farming industry. The biggest problem has been a severe shortage of animal feed.

 

Beitashan ranch hasn't seen a snowfall like this in thirty years. In some places, the snow banks were two meters high -- threatening the food supply to thousands of livestock.

Bahetibai, Director of Beitashan Livestock Farm, said, "The snow is too thick for animals to eat grass."

3,500 animals have died of starvation and severe cold. Traffic in and out of the farm has at times been brought to a standstill, making it difficult for the transportation of aid.

After 40 hours' of continuos work, some roads were opened, and being used to transport aid.

The farm has lost nearly four million yuan in profits.

Fodder shortage is also worrying herdsmen in Altai in the autonomous region. Local authorities allocated 40 thousand tons of feed. Each herdsman receives one hundred kilos, enough to feed 100 sheep for an entire month. More food for the animals has been arranged.