Released March 27, 2009

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Severe weather can wreak havoc on the rancher or farmer's livestock, equipment and animal housing. Planning and practicing for the worst is the best defense, according to the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

"If you develop a plan and practice it, then all you have to do when bad weather hits is your part," says Tom Troxel, professor of animal science at the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. "Outline to farm workers and family members their particular responsibilities then practice it at least once a year in a drill. This will free everyone to secure the animals, equipment and structures with enough time to seek shelter themselves."

If the skies turn an ugly shade of gray and the wind picks up, turn on the nearest radio for a weather report. If there is a thunderstorm warning in your area, put your plan into place.

Some things to consider when developing and executing the plan are:

• Regularly maintain and test generators to operate farm equipment when the power is out;

• If you think a building could collapse during the storm, turn out livestock into an open pasture to avoid injuries;

• If high winds or tornadoes strike, livestock could be hurt by flying debris. Move them to a more secure shelter or turn them out into a low-lying area where they can find natural protection from debris and lightning;

• Keep a weather alert radio charged and tuned in to receive specific information about weather in your area;

• As a general rule, if you can hear thunder, you are at risk of being struck by lightning. Because lightning commonly strikes freestanding trees, keep animals and people away from them during a thunderstorm.

"According to the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA), about a 100,000 thunderstorms develop in this country every year," Troxel says. "Every state has recorded tornadoes in every month of the year and at most times of day and night, but in the southern states, most tornadoes occur from March to May. Here in Arkansas, we've come to expect storms anytime of year, so it's crucial everyone understand how to limit damage as much as possible and maximize safety and survival."

Other ways farmers and ranchers can prepare for severe weather include:

• Insure crops against storm damage loss through the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation of the U.S. Department of Agriculture;

• Buy flood insurance through your local property insurance agent as thunderstorms often cause flooding;

• Follow relevant building code practices such as wind-resistant design;

• Fit barn windows with material that will not shatter and cut animals or people when broken by wind or hail;

• Fix loose siding and roofing and secure rafters in roofs;

• Store or secure any loose equipment and materials, including strapping; and

• Label hazardous material tanks such as heating oil.

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http://www.uaex.edu/news/march2009/0327severe_weather_farms.htm

Contact: Lamar James, (501) 671-2187, ljames@uaex.edu