By failing to prepare you are preparing to fail. A wise old saying that will resonate with farmyards as we head into the winter months. There are a lot of little things that can be done to make things easier for the following few months. As many dry stock farms are part time, good lighting is of fundamental importance as we head into the winter months.

A small investment, or even basic maintenance of existing lights, could leave things a lot easier and safer around the yard this winter. We all remember the storms of 2018, not to mention the heavy frost and snow a few years before, but what did we learn from them and what can we change around the yard to make it a little better if the same thing happens again? Freezing water pipes were a big issue at the time.

Being prepared

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Lagging pipes or burying pipes can be a huge help. Having a plan B for water such as a tank filled in the yard can also be helpful. Take a look around and see if there is anything else in the yard that can be rectified. Is everything secured and are all sheds in storm proof condition?

In our focus this week, Matthew Halpin outlines his top tips for ad-lib feeding over the next few months. Darren Carty takes a look at finishing store lambs inside and what the latest advice says. On our safety page, we look at some areas in the yard that could be a health and safety hazard over the winter months and we also demonstrate some ways of making your farmyard safer.