By Andi Anderson
Severe winter storms can create dangerous conditions for farms in a short amount of time. Bone-chilling cold, blowing snow, and ice can harm livestock, damage buildings and machinery, and place people at risk.
Planning ahead and taking action early can help reduce these dangers and protect farm operations.
“The most important thing is to allow extra time to do everything,” said Nationwide Senior Consultant Erin Cumings, who also farms and raises cattle with husband Matthew in Warren County, Iowa.
Personal safety is one of the most important areas to consider. Frostbite can occur after long exposure to freezing temperatures and may cause permanent injury. Signs include skin that feels waxy, firm, red, painful, or unusually pale.
Wearing layered clothing, covering hands, feet, and face, and removing wet clothing quickly can reduce frostbite risk. Snow and ice also increase the risk of slips and falls. Clearing walkways, adding slip-resistant materials, and ensuring good lighting can help prevent injuries.
Livestock care becomes more difficult during extreme cold. Calving during very low temperatures can be dangerous for newborn animals.
“We move our cows to the barn if they calve when the weather is bad, so we can keep a closer eye on them,” said Matthew Cumings. “It helps to keep a tractor or pickup nearby where you can sit when monitoring cows.”
Even animals housed in barns face winter risks. Power outages can cause heating systems to fail. “If there’s a rolling power outage or lines go down, you need a backup energy source — and fast,” Erin Cumings added. “Check backup generators, so they’ll come on quickly if you need them. Preventative maintenance is important.”
Farm buildings also need careful attention. Heavy snow can overload roofs and cause collapse. Farmers should know how much snow their buildings can safely hold and have a plan for snow removal.
Running machinery inside closed buildings can increase carbon monoxide risk. If symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, or nausea occur, call 911, shut down equipment, and ventilate the area.
Machinery maintenance also supports safety. “We keep tractors plugged in and do everything we can to keep diesel engines from gelling up,” Matthew Cumings said. “We make sure we use diesel treatment in our trucks and tractors, keep fuel tanks full and check antifreeze often.”
Overall, careful winter preparation protects people, animals, and equipment. Farmers who plan ahead and stay alert can reduce risks and maintain safe operations during harsh winter weather.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-shotbydave
Categories: Ohio, Weather