|
|
Make severe weather preparedness plan to keep livestock safe
Severe can wreak havoc on the rancher or farmer's livestock, equipment and animal housing. Planning and practicing for the worst is the best defense, according to the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. "If you develop a plan and practice it, then all you have to do when bad weather hits is your part," says Dr. Tom Troxel, professor of animal science at the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. "Outline to farm workers and family members their particular responsibilities then practice it at least once a year in a drill. This will free everyone to secure the animals, equipment and structures with enough time to seek shelter themselves." If the skies turn an ugly shade of gray and the wind picks up, turn on the nearest radio for a weather report. If there is a thunderstorm warning in your area, put your plan into place. Some things to consider when developing and executing the plan are: --Regularly maintain and test generators to operate farm equipment when the power is out; --If you think a building could collapse during the storm, turn out livestock into an open pasture to avoid injuries; --High winds mean and tornadoes are forecast, livestock could be hurt by flying debris. Build fences around single trees in pastures where livestock graze to prevent them from grouping under them trees in storms to reduce the risk of being struck by lightning. You also can move them to a more secure shelter or turn them out into a low-lying area where they can find natural protection from debris and lightning; --Keep a weather alert radio charged and tuned in to receive specific information about weather in your area; --As a general rule, if you can hear thunder, you are at risk of being struck by lightning. Because lightning commonly strikes freestanding trees, keep animals and people away from them during a thunderstorm. "According to the Federal Emergency Management Administration, about a 100,000 thunderstorms develop in this country every year," Troxel says. "Every state has recorded tornadoes in every month of the year and at most times of day and night, but in the southern states, most tornadoes occur from March to May. Here in Arkansas, we've come to expect storms anytime of year, so it's crucial everyone understand how to limit damage as much as possible and maximize safety and survival." Other ways farmers and ranchers can prepare for severe weather include: --Insure crops against storm damage loss through the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation of the U.S. Department of Agriculture; --Buy flood insurance through your local property insurance agent as thunderstorms often cause flooding; --Follow relevant building code practices such as wind-resistant design; --Fit barn windows with material that will not shatter and cut animals or people when broken by wind or hail; --Fix loose siding and roofing and secure rafters in roofs; --Store or secure any loose equipment and materials, including strapping; and --Label hazardous material tanks such as heating oil. For more information about livestock or severe weather preparation, visit extension's website, www.uaex.edu, or contact your county extension agent. The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the U of A Division of Agriculture.
Copyright/Privacy
Copyright 1995-2012. High Plains Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved. Any republishing of these pages, including electronic reproduction of the editorial archives or classified advertising, is strictly prohibited. If you have questions or comments you can reach us at High Plains Journal 1500 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd., P.O. Box 760, Dodge City, KS 67801 or call 1-800-452-7171. Email: webmaster@hpj.com |
|
