Preparing Your Farm or Homestead for an Extreme Cold Front

If you’re in the path of an extreme winter storm, most of you know the drill—but this storm is headed pretty far south. When you have livestock, extreme cold isn’t just uncomfortable for you to do chores in, it can be dangerous and even fatal for both animals. Over the years, we’ve developed a checklist to follow to ensure everyone is taken care of well when the temperatures are predicted to plunge for days here in Nebraska.

As we brace our farm and animals for this potentially historic US winter storm, we figured we would share with you exactly how we prepare to keep our farm to get through a major event like this.

Extra Feed & Bedding

• Stockpile extra food — cold animals burn more calories and a storm isn't the time to run out of grain.

• Have extra straw bedding and wood chips for deep bedding to help keep animals warm and dry.

Health & Safety Supplies

• Spend time carefully checking your animals for wheezing and sneezing, etc.

• Keep medications handy for pneumonia (we use Draxxin) or other cold-related conditions.

• If you have newborn goats, make sure you have a pack ‘n play or two to bring them safely inside your home if needed.

Water & Plumbing

• Plan for water tanks that heaters may not keep warm enough.

• Investing in heated hoses to prevent freezing or a plan for transporting water.

• Check all water heaters and electrical cords to make sure they’re working properly.

Shelter Prep

• Clean and prep shelters; have heat lamps ready in case animals need to come inside.

• Move alfalfa bales and hay bags to the pens in advance so feeding is easy during the storm.

Power & Backup

• Remember you may not have power if the storm includes wind and ice.

• Keep a generator ready for the barn if the power goes out—babies need warmth.

• Make sure extra heat lamps, water heaters, extension cords, and flashlights are accessible.

Personal Gear

• Dress in layers: coveralls, thick socks, scarves, face masks, and your warmest boots. Staying safe and warm yourself is just as important as caring for your animals.

Pro Tips for Kidding Season

• Double-check that heat lamps are operational and easy to move if you need to bring newborns inside.
  

Winter storms can be unpredictable, but preparation makes all the difference. The more proactive you are, the safer your animals and family will be.

Your Turn: What would you add to this list? Share your homestead survival tips in the comments below!