Winter is here, and it’s likely to get colder! Whether you’re running a poultry farm in mild or frigid environments, the measures you take before the first frost can make all the difference in protecting your investment and allowing your production systems to run smoothly all through the coldest of months.
The difficult part of the problem is that when winter breaks, an entire year’s cash flow is at risk from a single major winter incident.
With proper planning, winter doesn’t have to mean disaster. Equipment protection extends machinery “shelf-life” and improves functionality. More healthy flocks lead to better productivity. Well-maintained infrastructure means fewer emergency repairs come springtime.
Ashley Mitchell, Ag Loan Officer with First Financial Bank, shares insights throughout this guide on how farmers can approach winter preparation strategically – from practical steps to financing considerations.
Starting with Your Infrastructure
Your farm buildings and structures are your first line of defense when it comes to winter weather. A simple yet significant reduction in the total number of broken-down pieces of equipment will save your crops.
A critical eye walks every building! Inspect your roofs to see if shingles are damaged, or check for loose metal panels or areas where water can pool and freeze. Even minor leaks snowball into major issues when ice develops or snow loads rise. Check insurance policies for collapse coverage limits due to heavy snowfall.
The windows and doors should be inspected as well. Broken latches, weatherstripping, and seals lead to heat loss in livestock houses and moisture intrusion into storage areas. For livestock facilities, you must ensure you’re venting properly and keeping drafts out, as that balance is essential to animal health.
Water Systems: Your Most Important Priority
Frozen water systems can bring farm operations to a screeching halt. Begin by insulating exposed pipes, outdoor faucets, and pipes in unheated buildings, and address areas where temperatures drop below freezing. Heat tape can also be effective for vulnerable areas, but insulation is often sufficient when executed correctly.
Test heated waterers now: check heating elements, thermostats, and electrical connections. Replacing a defective element ASAP outweighs working with frozen water in February.
If you’re using electricity to heat your water, think through what happens during power outages. A generator for running water-heating systems could avert an emergency. Make sure well houses are properly insulated and that pumps do not freeze. Find shut-off valves and confirm that you can access them in emergencies.
Winterization of cooling pads is crucial if your operation uses evaporative cooling systems to prevent freeze damage. Completely drain all water lines, flush the system with compressed air if possible, and ensure pumps are stored properly or protected from freezing temperatures.
Equipment and Machinery: How to Protect Your Investment
Pressure wash tractors and harvest equipment – especially moving parts and hydraulic equipment. Check for damaged hoses, leaking cylinders, worn belts, and loose bolts. Grease all fittings and change oil and filters as advised by the manufacturer.
Fill diesel tanks to avoid condensation; use fuel stabilizer to ensure equipment isn’t sitting too long. Run carburetors dry or stabilize for gasoline engines. Old fuel is among the common reasons equipment doesn’t start in the spring!
Remove batteries from unused equipment or use a battery maintainer. Keep everything under structures as much as you can. Otherwise, use good covers and park your equipment on pallets so that it doesn’t hit the ground.
For more detailed guidance on equipment winterization, see our article on how to winterize your farm equipment.
Livestock Considerations
Winter preparation affects health and productivity in livestock operations. Give animals structures to protect them from wind, precipitation, and extreme cold.
Inspect feed bins for signs of leaks, ensure all delivery systems are working, and confirm that bedding is under cover or properly tarped. Adjust your nutrition plans for winter, as most livestock require extra calories during the cold months to maintain body condition. These birds need sustenance! Please also always make sure you collaborate with your nutritionist or veterinarian.
Revise vaccines and schedule appointments with your veterinarian to discuss health issues in advance of the winter. Fill up on medicines and inspect first aid equipment.
Set your emergency plan – if you do lose power, do you have a generator? Is it maintained and ready? Do you have fuel? What if roads are impassable? Extra feed and supplies make the difference between weathering a storm and facing a crisis.
Power and Backup Systems
Winter storms can cut off power for hours or even days. If no backup generator is an option, it may also behoove you to seriously investigate spending on one sized appropriately to meet your requirements of vital systems – including livestock waterers, ventilation, and other major functions.
Service existing generators now. Change the oil, check the fuel system, and handle the fuel safely. Generate a list of priorities for how much generator to use; make sure everyone is aware of how and when to operate it.
Check the extension cables and arrange your temporary power supply before you need it to power your equipment in an emergency.
Consider battery- or solar-powered lights for barns and critical work areas. LED technology has made these practical, and non-electric lighting options are invaluable during extended outages.
Financial Planning and Resources
The cost of winter planning and resources quickly adds up. At the same time, one pays much more for dealing with winter emergencies. If your operation requires heavy capital injections – construction repairs, equipment purchase, or improvements to infrastructure, don’t let cash flow take over the necessary course of action.
Agricultural lenders recognize the economy of the farm seasonally. Whether you need to source equipment funds, operating capital to support feed and supplies, or money for facility upgrades, the right lender can structure financing to align with your cash flow.
“When approaching your lender for financing, you will need to have current financials,” says Mitchell. “This includes balance sheets and your three most recent tax returns, along with quotes for any equipment or improvements you’re planning. If you’ve experienced winter-related losses in the past, having that documentation helps us understand your operation’s specific vulnerabilities and financing needs.”
For farms facing immediate winter needs but experiencing tight cash flow, Mitchell notes that First Financial Bank offers several options. “We can provide short-term operating loans to help cover costs of repairs and operating expenses,” she explains. “We also offer equipment loans and leasing options, which can be particularly helpful for farms that need to make essential equipment purchases or upgrades before winter arrives.”
