The pandemonium at the bread and milk aisle must mean we are due for some wintery weather and milk sandwiches. At the time of this article, forecasts call for snow, ice, and long periods of sub-freezing temps. While this is not uncommon for our area, we have a few more precautions than your average homeowner as livestock producers. The biggest concerns for our livestock in wintry weather are hypothermia and dehydration. Shelter and added calories are the best defense for hypothermia. Water is always a challenge in winter but pay close attention to ice-over and monitor animal intake as we approach Sunday.
Animals burn considerably more calories with wind-chill and a wet coat. Ruminants and horses (hind-gut) generate heat when they ferment forages. For this reason, consider feeding in the late afternoon to help provide max heat during overnight lows. Ice will make the grass more inaccessible than snow, so be prepared to put out hay early and often. In addition, rolling out hay to provide warm, dry bedding can be a relief to younger animals. Ensure you have adequate room to lessen the chance of young animals getting stepped on. Shelter is often not feasible for our cattle herds but encourage animals to bed in windbreaks through hay placement.
Winter weather in the south means ice. Besides the loss of traction, power loss is usually imminent in an ice storm. Temporary fences will fall to the added weight of the ice and may require a battery power source. Before the weather, top off feeders that are hard to access or need electricity (augers). If you are on well water, consider putting out extra troughs in case we lose power. Make sure your machinery is ready by checking fluids, adding weights, and don’t forget your small engines (ATV, chainsaw, generator).
Although the list of preparations is long, farmers are ever-ready and solid. They are the first called to pull a neighbor out of a ditch or cut a tree off a driveway. So, while you’re trudging in snow caring for your livestock, please take a second to enjoy the views and know it too will pass soon.
Submitted by Chris LeMaster, CUCES Area Livestock and Forages Agent
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