As farmers are still recovering from the beast from the east, another cold snap is on the way as Met Éireann has issued a status yellow snow-ice warning for the entire country, with temperatures expected to reach -4°C in some places.

Dubbed the son of the beast, there is also a more severe status orange snow-ice warning for Dublin, Kildare, Louth, Wexford, Wicklow, Meath and Waterford, with the warning in place until 9am on Sunday, and the nationwide warning in place until 9am Monday.

Heavy snow is expected in the east of the country, but Met Éireann has stated the whole country could be at risk of some snowfall given the low temperatures.

Here are some of the top tips from the Irish Farmers Journal team on how you can prepare your farm for dealing with cold temperatures.

Finishing animals

  • Finishing animals on high levels of dry feed, ie high-concentrate diets, will have a big demand for water.
  • These animals should always have free access to water. Some studies show research up to 6l water/1kg DM.
  • An animal consuming 10kg DM of dry feed will need 60l of water daily.
  • If stock can’t have water, you are better to reduce meal feeding levels. These animals need to be introduced to meals gradually, again, once water supply is restored.
  • If water is removed for a long period, let them back into water slowly also.
  • Reducing the meal and increasing wet forage intake will reduce the demand for water.
  • Diets high in salt, sodium bicarbonate and protein appear to stimulate water intake.
  • Reducing mineral intake may reduce the demand for water, particularly in sheep. A lot of minerals contain salt or sodium derivatives.

    • In the parlour

  • Make sure that all doors into the parlour are kept closed. Some are erecting temporary shelter at the back (cow entrance) to the parlour with bales or plastic sheeting.
  • Ensure that excess water is removed from the plant after the final rinse. Open all low-lying drains to ensure there is no water in the machine that can freeze.
  • Some farmers will remove the jetters from the claw pieces.
  • Some farmers are circulating 500g of salt with 20 litres of water in the final rinse – make sure to rinse before starting milking.
  • Again, some farmers have installed blow heaters to keep area warm, but be careful of the fire threat.

    In the yard

  • Keep entrance lanes and yards as clear as possible where the lorry turns.
  • Keep the area where cows walk down to a minimum and put effort into keeping this area suitable for cows to walk on.

    • In the plant room

  • Some have installed a heat source but be very careful of the danger of causing a fire.
  • Keep any exposed pipes covered up.

    • Yourself and farm staff

  • Wear many layers of clothes and if you warm up be very careful when going out in the cold again – you may need to change the layer of clothes nearest your body.
  • Wear reflective clothing that can be seen from a distance.
  • Keep your mobile phone charged at all times.
  • Keep all clothing in a warm area to dry it out when not in use.

    • Read more

    Feeding in the freezing cold and frost

    Checking your farm is winter ready

    Cold weather management for dairy farms

    How to deal with frozen pipes