View as a webpage  /  Share [ [link removed] ]


Winter Temp Reminders

Weather forecasts [ [link removed] ] call for frigid temperatures across Maine this weekend, a winter storm watch through Tuesday, and colder-than-average conditions through the rest of January. The Maine Emergency Management Association (MEMA) is urging everyone to monitor the forecast, make plans, and take action in advance of extreme cold temperatures settling in [ [link removed] ]. 

Cold Weather Tips for Farms and Livestock

*Take Care in Extreme Temperatures*

Farmers and animals need the same basic care in very cold weather. These reminders are for farmers of all experience levels and for those who support them.


*

Stay dry and dress in warm layers; keep skin covered.


*

Take regular breaks to warm up when working outside.


*

Check on farming friends and neighbors. Severe weather can add tasks and disrupt normal routines.

*Signs of frostbite:* red or painful skin; white or grayish-yellow patches; skin that feels hard, waxy, or numb.

*Signs of hypothermia:* shivering, extreme fatigue, confusion, trouble using hands, or slurred speech. If hypothermia is suspected, check body temperature and seek medical help immediately if it is below *95°F*.

Reduce Stress and Plan Ahead

Pace yourself and plan ahead to reduce stress for both people and animals.


*

Make sure drinking water is unfrozen when animals need it; provide a safe alternative if repairs take time.


*

Focus first on essential tasks, such as animal care. Less-urgent work can wait until after the storm.

Everyday Needs for Animals

Every farm is different, but these basics help reduce stress in all weather:


*

Nutritious feed and fresh, unfrozen water


*

Safe footing to prevent slips on ice


*

Dry bedding and access to shelter


*

Fresh air and, when possible, sunlight

During extreme cold, animals may eat more and require more frequent checks. Ruminants such as cows, sheep, and goats use feed to generate warmth.

Watch Animals Closely

* Act quickly if something seems off. Warning signs include not eating or drinking, isolating from the group, or appearing weak or unusually tired.

Extra Care for Young Animals

* Young animals are especially vulnerable to cold and may need extra bedding, blankets, or ear covers. Keep coverings dry and adjust as conditions change.

________________________________________________________________________



Other helpful resources: 

*For the farmer:*


* Ten Tips to Stay Safe Farming in Maine Winter [ [link removed] ] – UMaine Extension
* Farm Safety Check [ [link removed] ]: Working in the Cold - Upper Midwest Ag Safety & Health Center 
* Protecting Workers From Cold Stress [ [link removed] ] - OSHA

*General Livestock Care:*


* Watch Livestock for Hypothermia and Frostbite [ [link removed] ]– ND Extension
* Winter Animal Care [ [link removed] ] – Michigan State Extension

*Chickens: *


* Frostbite in Chickens [ [link removed] ]– Extension

*Dairy & Beef Cattle:*


* Cold Weather Strategies for Cattlemen [ [link removed] ]- Iowa State Ext
* Cold Stress Impacts on Cattle [ [link removed] ] - South Dakota State Extension
* Severe Cold Weather Rangeland and Livestock Considerations [ [link removed] ] – SD Ext.
* Managing Dairy Cattle in Cold Weather [ [link removed] ]- Minnesota Extension

*Equines: *


* Winter Care of Equines [ [link removed] ]- UMaine Extension YouTube Video  

*Sheep & Goats: *


* Winter Management Tips for Sheep and Goats [ [link removed] ]- Ohio State Extension

*Preventing and Repairing Damage:*


* Winter Storms: Preventing and Thawing Frozen Pipes [ [link removed] ]– Texas A&M
* Protecting Water from Freezing [ [link removed] ]– Iowa State Extension
* Livestock Disaster Plan [ [link removed] ] - USDA



Maine State Government is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

[ [link removed] ]

Facebook [ [link removed] ] Twitter [ [link removed] ] Email Updates [ [link removed] ]

Manage Preferences [ [link removed] ] | Unsubscribe [ [link removed] ] | Help [ [link removed] ] | Credits [ [link removed] ] | Contact Us [ [link removed] ]





________________________________________________________________________

This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry · 18 Elkins Lane, Harlow Building · Augusta, ME 04333 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]