Winter and cold weather safety tips on the farm

Winter may seem like a perfect chance to put the brakes on and relax a bit, but as farmers and ranchers know, work and chores don’t stop just because the winter weather has arrived. Jobs need to get done, and repairs happen all year long. When it comes to working out in the cold, you probably know that you should dress for cold weather, but do you know how to work safely all winter long? Take a look at these tips to be sure you’ve all got a handle on staying safe, whether you’re in the barn or out in the field.

In the winter months, dress for the extreme cold with layers

Before you head outside, take a few minutes and be sure you grasp the details of the job you’ll be taking on. This way, you’re going to be prepared for the job by knowing how to dress and what gear to bring. Here are a few tips to help keep warm:

Layer up. Layers give you options as you begin to warm up while working. So, if you're moving bales of hay by hand, it may be smart to have several layers on rather than just an inner and outer shell. That way, as you get moving and begin to sweat, you can peel off layers to stay cool.

Hood and hat first. Remember that you’re going to be losing a lot of heat through your head in the extreme cold. Insulate first with a hat that covers your head and ears. Then remember to put on a jacket with a hood — one which will also protect your face. That way, when you begin to warm up, you can pull the hood down, lift up the hat’s ear flaps and finally pull the hat off if you need to.

Protect the hands from cold weather. Keep in mind that frostbite often occurs first on the fingers, toes and nose. If you will be out in the field working with animals, you may need water-resistant hand protection. Operating farm implements may also be harder with thick gloves or mittens that protect from the cold, so be sure to work carefully.

Get the boots right. Consider getting a good pair of boots made for extremely cold weather. These boots come with options for both safety and warmth. Some insulated boots have steel, nylon or carbon fiber toe protection. The non-steel options can be a better choice for a number of reasons. First, they’re more likely to return to their original shape if crushed, which can really help to free an injured foot from the boot. Secondly, these toe guards don’t conduct the cold as much as steel-toed boots, so your feet are likely to stay warmer.

Keep informed. When the weather changes during the winter, a forecast that once called for half an inch of rain can turn into sleet, ice and then several inches of snow if the temperature drops more than a few degrees. When the temperature is hovering around freezing and rain's expected, be sure you’re ready for anything. You may want to install a weather app on your phone for alerts, which may help you stay ahead of storms and changing weather.

Cold weather and safety gear. The winter months can make wearing safety gear tough, as you’re already geared up just to keep yourself warm. One good way to deal with this issue is to allow yourself more time to get ready, both for the weather and the task at hand. Make sure you’re wearing protective gear correctly before you head to the field. That way, you’ll stay warm and safe.

Daylight savings time was made for farmers

As the winter months edge closer to the shortest days of the year in late December, daylight can get scarce. Here are a few key points for working during those months with limited light:

Have a backup lamp. Bring a flashlight or wear a headlamp while working around the farm. That way, if your project extends into the evening hours, you can see where you’re walking and get back safely.

Start work early. Begin your projects at sunrise to get the most out of those valuable daytime hours. Daylight savings time helps farmers like you get the most out of your day.

Know when to hold off. You may want to think twice about starting a project in high winds or when bad weather is forecasted. Unlike the summer months, dangerous winter storms can hit with little notice. Snow can make traversing on steps and walkways slippery and dangerous. Heavy snowfall can diminish visibility, making it difficult to work safely. It's better to wait or work indoors until the weather clears.

Pack water and protein. In cold weather, your body must work harder to keep your core warm than it does in warmer weather. Bring protein-rich liquids and snacks to help you protect your energy.

Clearly mark ice hazards and roads. Snow can cover both the ground and thin layers of pond ice. If you’ll be working near bodies of water, place orange snow stakes along the border where the water meets the land before bad weather hits. That way, once the winter sets in, you’ll know which areas to avoid. It would also be helpful to place stakes along access roads so people know where to drive after snow covers the ground. Review more farm safety tips to help you avoid other farm-related hazards.

Winter weather and livestock safety

Working in winter on the farm or ranch often means working with livestock. As you head outside to work, be sure that you tell others where you're going and when you’ll be back. If you’ll be working near livestock, it’s a good idea to bring a two-way radio in case you have questions or need help. Here are a few more winter livestock safety tips:

Know where the ice is. Livestock traversing areas can get icy. Therefore, move them on and off trailers carefully. It's also helpful to place sand on ramps and runs to improve traction for you and your livestock.

Livestock feed and water supply issues. Feeding and watering livestock pose challenges requiring careful management. On days when the weather is expected to drop below freezing, place electric heating elements in the water to keep the watering troughs from freezing. It may also be smart to place the troughs near an electrical source, or you’ll need to run extension cords to the trough safely. Remember, electrical sources can pose a fire risk, so check the cables for tears or frayed wiring.

Livestock and extreme cold. Most livestock deal with cold temperatures adeptly. But during extreme winter weather, animals with less fat, such as the sick, injured, old or young, may need a little more warmth. Installing a heating system may help you keep them warm. Also, consider adding extra bedding to stalls, and remember to replenish their feed and water more frequently.

Keep these tips in mind to help you stay safe and productive during harsh winter weather. Your livestock may stay healthier, too. After you’ve taken steps to help keep your farm safe, set aside some time to contact your agent for a farm and ranch policy review.

This article is for informational purposes only and based on information that is widely available. We do not make any guarantees or promise any results based on this information.