The cold spell in the past few weeks has acted as a reminder that now is a good time to plan for all eventualities in winter weather conditions.
For the last couple of years, January has only been the start of our winter as it tends to stay cold right through February and into March.
The cold spell last week saw a lot of farmers across the country come under pressure with milking parlours, frozen and burst pipes, lost animals and loss of power.
Now that it is behind us, farmers need to get themselves fully prepared in the likelihood that this type of weather returns.
College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE), agri environment advisor, Kieran McCartan spoke about what farmers can do to stop this weather becoming a problem on farms.
“Freezing conditions may result in frozen and burst pipes; snow and ice can result in problems in getting deliveries in or collections out and feeding stock outdoors. High wind has the potential for causing damage to farm buildings.”
For each of these risks, you should think about how you would deal with severe weather and your ability to provide water, food and shelter for livestock.
Preparing for winter weather
McCartan advised that “it is good practice to ensure all water pipes within and outside buildings are well insulated” in case the extreme winter weather returns”.
He also advised farmers to “turn off water to fields that have no livestock and keep a supply of relevant water fittings to repair any leakages that appear after the thaw. Check antifreeze is in all vehicles. You should also keep a supply of grit /salt”.
McCartan also said that if wind is forecast, to secure all loose objects that may be blown around the farmyard and to close and secure all doors and windows.
He also advised to keep away from the sheltered side of walls, buildings and trees in case they collapse.
“Do not go and repair damage while the storm is in progress. Do not drive unless your journey is necessary and if you must drive, be aware of side winds. Do not touch any electrical /telephone cables that have blown down,” the advisor said.
The advisor posed a few questions that farmers have to ask themselves before adverse weather, as follows:
- If milk collections are suspended, have you extra storage capacity in place?;
- If feed deliveries can’t get through, have you sufficient feed stored to cover your requirements?;
- If snow and frost are forecast, how would you get food and water to your livestock?
Farmers are also advised to minimise air flow by sealing doors and preventing drafts and to drain out the milking machine and protect pipes/pumps from freezing.
Keep tractors, handlers and quads in a shed when not in use. Check and test backup generators and equipment and never use standby generators indoors, as the fumes from the engine can be lethal.
Before going out onto the land always tell someone where you are going, how long you will be and wear suitable layers as well as high visibility clothing when searching for animals to prevent any other mishaps from occurring.
“Keep a close eye on the weather forecast so that you can take appropriate action. Check websites to see if there is interruption to water and electricity supplies in your area,” he continued.
“Some time spent now, preparing your farm for the unexpected, could save you a lot of problems in the future.”
It is important to have a list and/or store the numbers on the phone of those you may need to contact if these conditions occur.
These could include the electricity company, electrician, water supplier, plumber, milk collection driver and meal supplier and keep your phone and a torch fully charged. The main priority is that you stay safe.
