Department issues cold weather advice for farmers

AS the cold weather takes a grip of the country, farmers are being advised to take measures to protect stock and keep their own working environment safe.

The Department of Agriculture participated in a meeting of the National Emergency Coordination Group yesterday (Monday).

The forecast weather conditions are obviously of particular concern to farmers and those engaged in the agriculture sector. The more significant effects concern the provision of water, shelter and feed to livestock, whether housed or being outwintered.

It is essential that water pipes in the farmyard and also leading to outside water troughs are properly insulated and prevented from freezing up. This is particularly important at this time when cows are calving and sheep lambing, giving rise to a heightened demand for water.

In the case of sheep flocks, it is essential that they are brought to a sheltered area during the worst of this event.

For any animal welfare issues arising from this severe weather event farmers are advised to keep in touch with their Teagasc adviser, their veterinary practitioner, or to contact the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Animal Welfare Helpline - Call Save 0761 064408 or the direct line on (01) 6072379.

In order to ensure a safe working environment and also facilitate the movement of essential goods onto and off-farm, the farmyard and its environs should be fully gritted or sanded.

All machinery should be correctly stored, maintained properly and where necessary, heating should be provided to ensure that milking equipment and other critical plant does not freeze up.

Finally, all those working on farms are urged to take particular care in relation to their own personal safety and that of family members which should remain paramount. When herding livestock in remote areas farmers should ensure that somebody knows where they are and that they stay in contact.

The department will continue to be fully represented at all meetings of the National Emergency Coordination Group in the coming days and will provide updated information where necessary, in addition to that available on the related links as outlined below:

https://www.teagasc.ie/rural-economy/farm-management/farm-health--safety/be-winter-ready/

https://www.winterready.ie/en/guides/farming-community