Shutdown prevents relief for S.D. ranchers savaged by storm

It has been almost a week since 70 mph winds ushered in an onslaught of sleet and more than three feet of snow — an early fall blizzard that stunned the western end of South Dakota and killed up to 20,000 cows.

But the federal government shutdown means little financial assistance for ailing farmers, according to Al Jazeera.

South Dakota officials say the state has little recourse, with some adding bad timing with key legislation in limbo is to blame for a lack of disaster funding.

Read more at Al Jazeera.