Be prepared for winter weather

JUST think about the winter we’re going through.

Storm Abigail in November was quickly followed by Storm Desmond and Storm Frank the following month. There is little doubt that our weather is becoming wetter and windier, and this is particularly apparent in the winter months.

Thankfully the west coast has missed, so far at least, the severe flooding witnessed in other parts of Scotland and the north of England. In those areas, property, farmland and livestock took a battering. But even here the stormy conditions have taken their toll, as land has been severely waterlogged and gale force winds have torn lumps out of farm buildings.

Sheltering valuable livestock, equipment and feedstuffs from the elements, our farm buildings need regular maintenance, and this is something that should be built into the farming year. The old proverb about ‘ a stitch in time’ certainly holds true for building maintenance. A quick repair of a few slates or a section of loose ridging today, for example, could save a lot of expense and grief by the time Storm Gertrude ( yes, she’s next in line) comes a- calling.

Stock management outside is made no easier when the ground is saturated, but the job of keeping sheep and cattle safe and secure is entirely dependant on having secure stock fencing. Keep an eye on your fences and gates this winter, and if a repair needs doing, contact your local fencing supplier and do the job properly. Leave the baler twine in your pocket. If you think your fences need an overhaul, there’s a contractor who will be able to assist.

Another important aspect of winter farming is the maintenance of machinery and equipment. Follow a proper maintenance routine, covering aspects such as lubrication, checking brakes, engine coolant, antifreeze and oil levels and making sure batteries are operating.

It is the job of the employers to make sure that their workers are safe. This includes doing regular maintenance checks on farming machinery and equipment as well training their workers in a proper manner. Maintaining your farming machinery, equipment and property is also demanded by the law to avoid risking people’s health and safety.

Professional help in maintaining farm tractors, ATVs and other equipment is available in the local area, along with advice in purchasing new items of machinery.

Adequate fuel supplies are also vital during the winter months. Heating fuel, be it oil or wood, can run down quickly in the cold weather, and bad weather can mean deliveries might be delayed.

Farming in winter is really about preparing for the worst while hoping for the best. In the second half of January there is still plenty of winter to come, so think ahead, stock up on supplies, check your machinery and keep livestock well fed.

But at least the days are now getting longer, with the promise of more daylight - and let’s hope for a decent spring ahead!