Preparing livestock for winter in Redwater

By Myrina Carter

As the temperature begins to drop and farmers work through the harvesting season, some are preparing for winter by preparing their livestock. Livestock includes animals like cows, pigs, horses, goats and many more. Farmers have a lot to do before the freezing temperatures hit their farms and have been busy preplanning what they will do for winter. They must prepare and plan for the basic needs of animals like food, water and shelter. Doing so will keep the animals healthy through the minus 30 weather and help reduce the number of sick animals and save money.

Ensuring a dependable water supply is an asset; farmers cannot rely on natural water sources as it will freeze and take days before it thaws. Many farmers use tank heaters or de-icers, which take well-kept maintenance to stay running each year. Some farmers don’t use heaters but will insulate all the pipes and faucets.

Some livestock is accustomed to foraging through the warmer months. Therefore, farmers must consider that animals must eat more in the winter to provide extra calories for heat energy. Eating more food also gives to keep warm. Farmers always make a backup plan just in case they must follow through with emergency feeding procedures.

Shelter for livestock will need to be prepared through the fall months, and when the cooler winds begin to pick up, the shelters are called windbreaks. Windbreaks are set up for the outdoor animals to shelter from the brutal winter winds. Farmers also winterize barns and other shelter buildings. The buildings’ roofs are constantly inspected and repaired to withstand the heavy weight of snow through the winter. They also set up heaters and ensure they are properly working and that the sheltered areas have good ventilation.

Farmers check on livestock daily, ensuring their livestock’s needs are met and are prepared for any unexpected emergencies they may face through the cold winter months. A farmer’s job is never done.

Caption

Local cows are grazing and enjoying a drink while basking in the last of the lovely September weather before the cold winter soon hits our province.

Photo By Myrina Carter