After a stressful summer and harvest period, there can be plenty of jobs around the farm that are easy to put off. A loose roof sheet, blocked gutter or machine that needs some attention might not seem urgent when the weather is dry, but these issues can become more difficult to deal with once winter arrives.
Autumn is a useful time to look around the farm and deal with some of those jobs before they become bigger problems. As part of our Better Sorted Than Sorry campaign, we are looking at some of the practical checks that could help you prepare your buildings, machinery and working areas for the months ahead.
Start with your buildings
Farm buildings can take a lot of weather exposure over the winter, so it’s worth checking for signs of damage before the worst weather arrives. You may wish to consider arranging an appropriate inspection of roofs and cladding for signs of damage, loose or missing materials; they can become a greater concern during strong winds and may cause further damage if they become detached. Check doors and windows are closing properly and that locks, hinges and other security measures are in good condition.
Small leaks are often easier to deal with before they have caused significant damage. Look for signs of water getting into buildings, including damp areas, staining, mould or deterioration around roofs, walls and floors. Check areas where water has collected previously and consider whether any repairs or maintenance are needed.
Prepare for freezing temperatures
For livestock farms in particular, frozen or burst water pipes can be a major concern when temperatures drop. Pipes that aren’t adequately protected can freeze during hard frosts and potentially burst as they thaw.
Check exposed pipework and lag or insulate it where appropriate, particularly in areas vulnerable to frost. Make sure everyone on the farm knows where the stop tap is and how to isolate the water supply in an emergency. It’s also worth knowing where the main electrical supply can be isolated, particularly if water enters a building and there is a risk of electrical damage.
Think about what is stored outside
Winter weather can make outdoor storage more vulnerable, particularly during periods of strong winds. Secure loose materials, equipment and anything else that could be moved or damaged by the weather. This is also worth considering around buildings, roads and working areas, where unsecured items could create a hazard for people, vehicles or neighbouring property.
If equipment or materials don’t need to remain outside, consider whether they can be stored somewhere more suitable over winter.
Look at trees and surrounding areas
Trees and branches close to buildings, roads and regularly used working areas can become more of a concern during periods of strong winds or heavy rain. Look for obvious signs of damage, dead branches or trees that may need professional attention. Consider areas where falling branches could affect buildings, livestock, vehicles or access routes. It’s better to identify potential problems during reasonable weather than to have to deal with a fallen tree or blocked access route during a storm.
Check your tracks and working areas
The condition of farm tracks can change considerably once the ground becomes wetter. Check for potholes, erosion, soft ground and areas where water is collecting. Dealing with smaller issues where possible can help prevent routes from becoming difficult to use later in the season, particularly where they provide access to livestock, buildings or fields.
Don’t forget the equipment that’s been working all summer
After harvest, it’s easy to focus on putting machinery away and moving on to the next job. But equipment that has been used heavily over the summer may have picked up damage or wear that isn’t immediately obvious. Take the opportunity to look over regularly used equipment. Check for damaged components, worn parts, leaks and anything that needs repairing or servicing before it is required again.
Vehicles and machinery that are left outside can also need some additional preparation for freezing temperatures. Check coolant and antifreeze levels in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations, particularly on vehicles that may be left outside for extended periods. Inadequate protection from freezing temperatures can cause damage to cooling systems, including the radiator.
Keep some basic winter equipment to hand
Some simple items can be particularly useful when winter weather creates an unexpected problem. Keep torches and high-visibility jackets somewhere accessible so they are easy to find if machinery breaks down or work needs to be carried out outside in poor light or bad weather. A suitable recovery chain can be useful for dealing with vehicles that become stuck in mud or on frozen ground, provided it is appropriate for the vehicle and recovery situation and used safely.
Better Sorted Than Sorry
During October, our Better Sorted Than Sorry campaign focuses on changing weather. Preparing for winter doesn’t necessarily mean taking on a long list of major jobs. Often, it’s the smaller maintenance issues that are easiest to overlook during a busy period.
A damaged roof sheet, blocked gutter, unsecured piece of equipment or machine that needs some attention may not cause an immediate problem. But once winter weather arrives, dealing with them can become more difficult and the consequences can be greater.
This information is provided for guidance only, and your exact requirements may differ depending on your individual circumstances. If you need further support, please contact our Risk Management team, who can help you identify and manage the risks relevant to your farm.
