With the sudden drop in temperatures, the arrival of frost warnings (and in some areas, actual frost), and the resulting emergence of multiple layers of clothing, it is clear that IT is coming. One of my favorite facets of living in the Piedmont is that we usually enjoy the beauty to be found in all four of the seasons. With that said, we have been spared "harsh" winters for several years. It may be time to pay the Piper. Let us toss out a few ideas that will help you prepare your agricultural investments for the coming chill. So…chill out, grab a warm beverage and let us dig in.

One of the most functionally essential considerations for fluctuating temperatures is the condition of fences and automatic waterers. As temperatures rise and fall, wood will invariably expand and contract. This is more prevalent with newer, perhaps still "green" fences. This movement may lead to warping and presents the potential for nail heads to become exposed. It would require more than two hands to count the times that I had had to doctor a laceration due to an exposed nail. Walking your fence lines weekly is a wise and pleasant routine to develop. As an aside, you are inspecting gates, and hinges for rust would also serve your animals well. Should you have automatic livestock waterers installed, a thorough inspection of the units would help you very well. Specific companies have electrical heating components that warrant examination. A faulty or degraded electrical housing has been known to send a current through the drinking water, thus keeping animals from drinking. As we know, winter is colic season for horses, and sufficient water intake is vital. In any scenario, it is wise to have the units inspected for disrepair, leaks, etc. Repairing a frozen or leaking waterer below-freezing weather is a scenario that I would like to avoid.

While we are taking a closer look at facilities, it is vital to be sure that your hay storage area is clean and properly ventilated. With the sudden influx of hay, ensuring proper storage can help to extend the life and quality of your forage investment. It can contribute to your facility's overall safety (improperly cured and stored hay is a recipe for a barn fire). Given the fermentative nature of muck pits, it is wise to clean them out before any hard freeze or inclement weather (they can also combust). While on the topic of manure, harrowing, and picking your paddocks at any opportunity will be of enormous benefit. Once herd animals get running around and playing due to a warm winter day, or snow, frozen piles of manure are the perfect booby-trap to roll an ankle or bruise a hoof. They even present a hazard for the humans that are owned by these animals when covered in snow.

It would also be wise to inspect any trees close to buildings, fences, or utilities. Limbs or entire trees that appear weak or compromised should be removed before they are expected to bear the weight of ice and snow, thus risking the structures as mentioned earlier. You know the adage about an ounce of prevention. While in diagnostic mode, inspecting heat lamps and forced air heaters in the barn, heat lamps in chicken coops or smaller barns, and water heaters is also a wise idea. Plenty of critters- mammal, avian, and insect alike have probably made use of the nooks and crannies of these units over the previous months.

Investing a beautiful fall day preparing your facilities for the coming months is not only enormously beneficial for your animals; it can be a very enriching and informative experience for family and friends alike. Get out there, enjoy the coming changes in the leaves, and if you need a hand, I am here to help. Thank you for reading. I will see you in the field.