Getting ready for the darkest days of winter

This special Focus on preparing for winter will arm farmers with all the information they need for a smooth winter of farming. The weather in the early part of winter 2020-21 has been relatively mild but wet. However, preparing for worse weather as the winter goes on is probably prudent. The steps for dairy farmers to protect themselves, their animals and facilities from the worst of the winter weather are outlined here.

Stephen Robb outlines the important factors for tillage farmers preparing for the winter. Interestingly, he mentions office work as being a risk factor and indeed this is something that applies to all farmers, particularly over the winter months as more time is spent in front of the computer doing paper work. A good chair and a computer monitor at the correct height are essential for all people who work at desks.

Livestock specialist Declan Marren has some advice for farmers who are considering outwintering stock this winter. While he rightly points out that it is not suitable for all farms due to soil type and other factors, it is a relatively cheap way to winter animals and animal performance can be very good, when the system is done well.

One of the key points made by Declan is to ensure that the outwintering is compliant with all nitrates and cross compliance regulations. For many part-time farmers, winter can be a difficult time of year.

Often, farm work has to be done in the dark in the mornings before work and completed in the dark in the evenings after work. Also, winter time with stock housed can be busier than summer as silage and other feed has to be fed compared to summer when all animals are out grazing.