Prepping the Farm for the War of the Winds
By Nick Massey
It is that time of year when the winds are at war. The cold north wind and the warm south winds collide and wreak havoc, producing thunderstorms and tornadoes. The prudent farmer must prepare to reduce casualties on the farm. Here is a short list of things to check.
Loose items. Look for things like trash cans, buckets, and tarps. If these items need to remain
outdoors, then look for ways to secure them to posts, fill them with rocks, or weigh them down.
Row cover. When the winds are warring, frost is still a concern, so, likely, row covers are still floating around. Ensure there are enough weights to hold them in place, or temporarily store them indoors when foul weather is forecasted.
High tunnel. Inspect any high tunnels to ensure all hardware is tight and the plastic is secure. Also, make sure all anti-billow ropes are in place to keep the roll-up sides from flapping around. When a wind event is forecasted, it is ideal to close the tunnel by closing the sides and doors. Finally, consider installing a natural wind break for long-term protection.
Emergency notification. Ensure that your emergency notification system is operating and in place. Many farms use handheld radios or walkie-talkies. Those devices usually have weather alerts to warn of tornadoes. There are also apps for smartphones that issue the same notifications, but they require a cell signal.
Fortifying the farm against high winds is important. By securing structures, implementing windbreaks, and adopting proactive measures, farmers increase their ability to weather turbulent conditions successfully. Safeguarding against the impact of high winds is a practical necessity.
About the Author
Nick Massey is the Product Manager at Farmers Friend, where their mission is to equip, educate and inspire growers to change the world through regenerative agriculture. Learn more at www.farmersfriend.com.