Preparing for Winter on the Farm

Preparing for winter on the farm is something rangers must think about as the colder months get near. Winter on a farm can be the backdrop for beautiful scenery. Pastures display blankets of snow, and animals often graze in the frost. Behind these idyllic images, there is a lot of hard work and long days that often make wintertime a challenge for farmers. If you are preparing for winter on your farm, you know that agriculture insurance is one of the best investments you can make. This policy protects your farm from equipment breakdown, environmental liability, and business interruption.

Preparing for Winter and All Hazards

The following four steps can further protect your farm from the liabilities of winter.

Cover Your Animals’ Shelter With Agriculture Insurance

During wintertime, it’s essential to ensure that your animals have sufficient shelter. Snow, hail, and sleet can hit your farm and become a significant risk if animals are not protected. You should inspect your barn to ensure your animals can comfortably enjoy its shelter. Furthermore, you must place their food in a place that isn’t susceptible to moisture. Agriculture insurance can cover the value of your barn if any damages happen due to inclement winter weather.

Prepare the Soil for Winter

Farmers must also be sure to prepare the soil on their farms for the impact of winter. Soil may not be able to get the nutrients it needs during this time, so you will need to use specialized fertilizers that are dense in nutrients. Compost is another excellent option that will achieve the same results. When snow arrives, the nutrients will break down and get absorbed into the soil. It ensures that the soil is ready for planting once spring arrives.

Invest in Seasonally Appropriate Gear

It’s easy to get preoccupied with protecting your animals and soil. You might forget that you must also protect yourself in the wintertime. Investing in seasonally appropriate gear is essential for minimizing the likelihood of injuries. Don’t venture out unless you have scarves, gloves, thermals, and a warm coat. Hypothermia can occur any time your body loses warmth at a rate faster than it can produce warmth. It’s imperative to prevent this by outfitting yourself appropriately and avoiding prolonged exposure to icy conditions.

Find Agriculture Insurance for Your Unique Risks

The agricultural industry faces many unique risks, and winter may exacerbate them. For example, the risk of property damage and equipment failure might increase as temperatures drop. If you have the right agriculture insurance, you don’t need to worry about this possibility. You can enjoy wintertime on your farm and prepare to start planting again in spring. Look for an insurance policy that covers crops and the commercial liabilities that affect your business.

About Haughn & Associates

Founded by Michael Haughn in 1986, Haughn & Associates is a full-service, family-owned, independent insurance agency based out of Dublin, Ohio. H&A strives to provide the best possible price and unique insurance solutions across a myriad of industries, including construction, IT, Habitation & Commercial Property, Agriculture, and Engineering. Devoted to providing the best of business insurance, life and disability insurance, personal insurance, employee benefits, and bonds, H&A is proof that success lies in long-standing client relations and satisfaction. To learn more about how H&A can be of service to you, contact us at (877) 802-2278.