Winter Storms and Your Farm

Winter Storms and Your Farm

The impact of winter storms on farms can involve a number of issues. Farm buildings can be damaged due to heavy snow or ice accumulation. Power failures or fuel shortages can impact animal production. Prepare now to protect your farm during winter storms.

Use this checklist to make plans for your farm before, during, and after a winter storm situation.

Winter Storms and Your Farm [PDF]

Related Websites

About Winter Weather
Website discussing dangers of winter weather to human health.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Cattle Management in Cold Weather
Website with many management resources for cattle in the winter time.
North Dakota State University Extension Service
Natural Disasters: Snow and Ice
Website of resources for reducing illness and injury during severe winter conditions.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Natural Events and Disasters: Extreme Cold
Website with links for agriculture and livestock on preparing for, during and recovery after extreme cold.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Ready.gov: Winter Storms and Extreme Cold
Website with information on what to do before, during and after a winter storm as well as information on possible flooding.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Severe Weather 101: Winter Weather Basics
Website discussing the dangers of winter storms.
National Weather Service and American Red Cross
Windbreak Design and Management
Website with a number of windbreak design and management resources.
University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension
Winter Weather Forcasts
Website with winter weather forecasts, including probability maps.
National Weather Service

Additional Resources

Farm Resources

Ice Dam Prevention on Roofs: Simple Ways to Alleviate the Problem
Factsheet discussing way to prevent ice dams on roofs.
University of Wisconsin Extension
Protecting Plumbing During a Winter Storm: Care of Utilities and Appliances When the Power is Out
Factsheet discussing measures to take to reduce the chance of frozen pipes and what to do when pipes freeze.
University of Wisconsin Extension
Standby Electric Generators for Emergency Farm Use
Factsheet discussing types of generators and how to plan a generator system.
Virginia Cooperative Extension
Windbreak Establishment
Factsheet on layout, site prep and planting of a windbreak to protect your farmstead, animals and crops.
University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension
Windbreaks for Snow Management
Factsheet describing the benefits and design of windbreaks for snow management.
University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension
Winter Power Failure On The Farm: Keeping Animals and Equipment Safe
Factsheet describing precautions to take to protect poultry, livestock and equipment during a power outage in the winter.
University of Wisconsin Extension