Resources for farmers, ranchers as they weather weekend storm

Meteorologists are forecasting what has been dubbed a “historic” winter storm this weekend. Ranchers and farmers are among the many who are required to work through the storm. The task of taking care of a farm or livestock could be difficult through the storm but the Colorado Department of Agriculture has resources available.

Just like in more urban areas, ranchers and farmers can face winter storm obstacles such as power outages, structural damage to buildings or dangerous road conditions. However, the difference for those in the agriculture industry is that often these obstacles impact animals too.

Ranchers and farmers may face hardship because power outages could impact feed and water supplies, difficult road conditions may prevent them from reaching livestock, the heavy snow can cause structural damage to buildings housing livestock or other emergencies could impact animals and animal health, Mary Peck, director of communications and outreach for the Colorado Department of Agriculture said via email Friday.

“Colorado’s farmers and ranchers are skilled at managing their operations during all kinds of weather events, but an overall reminder for those who think they may need help is to not hesitate to ask for it. It's much better to ask for help before a crisis situation develops so that there is time to get the assistance and resources needed,” Peck said. 

Ranchers and farmers are encouraged to first reach out to local emergency management offices. Boulder County has four resource numbers, broken up by the regions of Erie, Longmont and Lafayette, with a central resource as well. Weld County has eight numbers to contact, including one in Longmont. 

In the event local resources are not available, the Colorado Farm Bureau has created a form for ranchers and farmers with non-emergent needs to request assistance. 

The Colorado Department of Agriculture suggests farmers and ranchers prepare the best they can for the storm. 

Some tips for preparing livestock for a winter storm include making an emergency plan, creating or maintaining an inventory of animals on a farm, setting up shelter or windbreak areas for animals kept outdoors, and inspecting livestock shelters for stability, according to a hazard preparedness report by the Center for Food Security and Public Health and Iowa State University.