Seasonal Safety Surviving Extreme Cold
Prepare for the Chill Advice on Staying Safe During Harsh Winter Weather
By Mara Watts
For Lee and Mary Woita, the bloggers behind Boots & Hooves Homestead, ranch life never slows down, especially during the harsh North-Central Nebraska winters.
During extreme cold conditions, the couple stresses the importance of preparing and planning ahead of time. This helps them effectively manage the daily chores and responsibilities that the ranch demands.
From physical to mental preparations, the Woitas share their best advice for surviving Mother Nature at her worst.
Physical Winter Preparation
Before winter arrives, the Woitas perform several routine tasks to prepare. These include insulating animal structures, routine maintenance on ranch equipment, stocking up the pantry and ensuring all family members have essential winter clothing.
They recommend doing the following:
Prepare Animal Structures
Ensure that animal homes and buildings are insulated for warmth and ventilated to prevent moisture build-up. Stock up on and provide bedding such as hay and straw. Check that the waterers are full and not frozen.
Cattle and Livestock
Move animals closer to their structures, especially when a winter storm is approaching. Ensure they have proper windbreaks or a place for escaping the elements. Plan on using extra hay for bedding.
Equipment
Perform regular maintenance checks on tractors, all-terrain vehicles and other large acreage or farmland equipment. Keep them free of moisture and extreme cold, which can cause irreparable damage.
Lee stressed the importance of using the correct strength anti-freeze in a tractor and switching up diesel fuel.
“ This keeps your equipment running during extreme temperatures,” he said.“ When the weather changes,
24 AcreageLife January 2025 AcreageLife. com