Is there truth in the old adage, “Red sky at night, sailor’s delight. Red sky in the morning, sailor’s warning” or it just an old wives’ tale? Mary Mackinson Faber isn’t quite sure of the answer, but says if there is any truth in it, they’ll miss the major snowstorm expected to hit her Pontiac, Ill., family dairy farm.
Between 12-18 inches of snow is forecasted to hit central Illinois, with winds of 15-20 mph, where Faber’s family dairy, Mackinson Dairy, milks 150 cows. Optimistic, Mary replies, “We’ll see if it actually happens, I was expecting to walk out to a bright red sky this morning, but it was bland.”
Now at the halfway mark of winter, some parts of the country, like central Illinois has not received much snowfall to date. Faber shares her farm has received less than six inches of snowfall total this winter. However, preparation is the key, especially when weather can change in a hurry. “Think and plan ahead,” Faber notes. “Get everything under cover and make sure you can pull out the generator.”
The South Dakota State University Dairy Extension team highlights these key points on how dairy producers can prepare for the upcoming weather.
Barns Maintenance
- Check curtains on barns to make sure they are operating properly and repair any holes or tears, this also applies to metal siding.
- Check and maintain ventilation fans including tightening belts and keeping blades and louvers clean.
- Look upward, inspect and repair building roofs and rafters, making sure there is no loose tin or cracked rafters present.
- Maintain and repair any doors in buildings that may not open or close properly.
- Check and clean barn heaters to make sure they are operating properly.
- Outside the facilities, do preventative trimming of trees around barns, driveways and fences.
Equipment Maintenance and Preparation
- First, test and service your generator(s) and make sure there is adequate fuel on hand to run them.
- Second, winterize and service farm equipment such as tractors, semi’s, skid loaders, pay loaders, feed mixing wagons, manure pumps, etc. Producers will want to take time to check anti-freeze levels, batteries and fuel filters as these items routinely cause issues in cold weather.
- Third, examine snow blowers or other snow removal equipment and make sure it is in proper working order.
- Fourth, obtain and store enough fuel (No. 1 Diesel or 50:50 blend of Diesel or Gasoline) to run equipment for an extended period of time. (A two-week supply is suggested.)
Food, Water and Shelter
- Clean and check heating elements in all drinking waters.
- Repair any waters or water lines that may be leaking. Ice buildup is a hazard to livestock and humans. Access to enough clean, fresh water is vital to maintaining animal performance.
- Have adequate feed supplies moved in for easy access to the farm. It is recommended to have a two-week supply of purchased feedstuffs.
- Move calf hutches to areas that are easily accessible in the winter and provide wind protection for young livestock.
- Start utilizing calf coats on newborn calves till they are weaned.
- Provide adequate bedding for all livestock making sure it is deep enough for them to nest in to help maintain body heat.
- Have a two-week supply of veterinary supplies commonly used on the dairy such as intra-mammary mastitis treatments, antibiotics, electrolytes, calcium solutions, antiseptics, bandages, unused needles, and syringes.
- Examine body condition and hair coat of various groups of livestock, adjust rations appropriately for cold weather.
- Evaluate housing for livestock in open lots, making sure there is adequate wind protection and the ability to get bedding pack built up for them before poor weather.
Other Considerations
- Develop a plan with milk haulers and milk buyers for options if milk is unable to be picked up for an extended period. Ask yourself “What type of coverage do I have if my milk has to be dumped and is unable to be picked up due to weather considerations?”
- Partner with neighbors and develop a plan if it is necessary to do your own snow removal on public access roads.
- Think through a few additional “what if’s” … “What would I do if my barn roof collapsed?” “What, How and Where can I temporarily move livestock until repairs are made?”
- Determine insurance coverage is adequate regarding snow load on buildings?
Dairy farms operate 24/7, 365-days a year, even during a major winter storm. “Cows are comfortable, even during a snowstorm,” Faber remarks. “Our biggest concern is making sure the road is clear so the milk truck can get in and out. Really, it’s more of a headache and inconvenience than anything else.”
With blue skies and 40 degrees ahead of the predicted winter storm to hit central Illinois, Faber hopes that the dull morning sky is a prediction, not only that the old adage is true, but that the winter storm doesn’t mount up to the expert’s calculations.
