With winter on the way; it's time to carry out a last minute check on winter housing for livestock.

Keep safety first in mind when checking over winter housing.

Remember: farm maintenance is a driver of farm efficiency, saves time and labour. Most importantly, it helps prevent farm accidents.

Go through the checklist below and see what needs to be done:

Calving Housing

Hygiene is critical in calving boxes/area. Every effort is needed to prevent the build-up of infection and disease.

Thoroughly clean out, power wash and disinfect all calving boxes/ calving area. Use a strong disinfectant; this prevents a build-up of harmful micro-organisms such as Cryptosporidium.

If there is a history of scour/disease/infection in the calving area, consult your vet on what specialised disinfectant to use.

If there are calving cameras present in your suckler unit, inspect cameras to ensure they are working. Clean lenses, inspect wiring, view screen and picture focus.

Can the cameras be connected to your mobile phone? Use modern technology to make life easier at calving time.

Creep Pens

Likewise, hygiene is hugely important here. Remove all farmyard manure, old straw etc. Clean whole area, power wash and disinfect with a strong disinfectant.

When the creep pens are dry, sprinkle the entire creep area with hydrated lime. This will act as an additional disinfectant.

Wear gloves and protect eyes when handling lime. Use plenty of straw, spread across the creep area when calves begin to use it.

Ensure to have enough straw in store to cover the entire calving period. Other sheds for older stock need to be cleared out and disinfected if necessary.

Make sure your sheds are safe and sound for you and your stock.

By Anthony O'Connor, Teagasc Adviser, Galway/Clare Regional Unit.