Preparation for Heavy Rainfall Events (Hurricanes/Tropical Storms)
Hurricane season brings extreme weather including high winds and often heavy rainfall. Farms can sustain lots of damage from these weather events and livestock is at risk. Here are some tips to help prepare for these weather events:
- Establish an Emergency Plan.
- Secure equipment: place large equipment in a covered area or tie down.
- Clear debris from drainage ditches.
- Remove trees that pose a threat to the fencing structures.
- Keep livestock barns, gates, and fencing in good repair.
- Prepare farm vehicles and machinery: gasoline and oil.
- Stay connected with local emergency and management agencies.
- Take farm inventory: livestock and equipment.
- Regularly review insurance policies.
- Secure animals: move to secure pastures or higher locations. Never leave livestock in a closed barn.
- Make sure your animals are current on all vaccinations.
- Purchase additional feed, hay, and water supplies several days before a weather event. These items might not be available after the storm.
- Stock up on basic veterinary supplies and have restraint equipment for restraining injured animals that need veterinary assistance.
- Livestock identification: Ear tags, tattoos, collars with ear tags attached. A permanent ID is best.
- Livestock Emergency Kits.
Make your preparations and wait to check on livestock after the weather event has passed. Do not put yourself at risk by checking on livestock during a weather event.
Most livestock are accustomed to bad weather and only need clean feed, dry areas to congregate, and clean fresh water. If you are using an intensive rotational grazing model it is recommended that you open a paddock larger than usual so that the animals have access to forage for the duration of the storm plus some extra to reduce pugging.
Remember that older livestock may require more care/accommodations than young livestock.
If animals are injured be prepared to render first aid and have a relationship with your veterinarian.
As always prepare for the worst and hope for the best.
