Winter Preparation Guide : Property Protection for Agricultural Facilities

Winter weather can be devastating for agricultural operations. Frozen pipes, collapsed roofs, and equipment failures cost the agricultural industry billions of dollars annually, according to the USDA's Risk Management Agency. The good news? Most winter damage is preventable with proper preparation.

Whether you manage a family farm or a large commercial operation, this guide will help you protect your property and keep your business running through the cold months ahead.

Start with Your Buildings

Check Your Roofs

Before the first snow, walk through all your barns, storage buildings, and equipment shelters. Look for sagging, damaged shingles, or signs of weakness. Heavy snow can cause roof collapse, especially on older structures. If you see concerning signs, call a structural engineer - it's much cheaper than rebuilding.

Don't forget gutters and downspouts. Clear them out so melting snow can drain properly and prevent ice dams.

Seal Up Gaps

Walk around the outside of every building looking for cracks in walls or foundations. Small gaps let in cold air that can freeze pipes and drive up heating costs. Use weatherproofing materials to seal cracks, and check that doors and windows close tightly.

Protect Your Water Systems

Burst pipes are one of the most expensive winter problems. According to the Insurance Information Institute, water damage from a single burst pipe can cost thousands of dollars.

Simple Prevention Steps:

1. Wrap exposed pipes with foam insulation

2. Add heat tape to pipes in unheated areas

3. Drain and shut off water to unused buildings

4. Install heated waterers for livestock

5. Know where your main water shut-off valve is located

When temperatures drop below 20°F, check your water systems every day. Catching a problem early can save you from a major disaster.

Get Your Heating Systems Ready

Heating equipment causes many farm fires during winter, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Before cold weather hits:

1. Have a professional service all furnaces and heaters

2. Clean chimneys and vents

3. Test your thermostats

4. Make sure you have good ventilation (to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning)

5. Keep spare parts on hand for critical systems

Also check your electrical system. Winter means more heating, lighting, and tank heaters running at once. Have an electrician verify your system can handle the load and that your backup generator works.

Winterize Your Equipment

Cold weather is hard on machinery. Prepare your equipment by:

1. Switching to winter-weight oils and fluids

2. Adding fuel conditioner to prevent diesel from gelling

3. Testing batteries (cold reduces battery power by up to 50%)

4. Checking tire pressure (it drops in cold weather)

5. Storing equipment under cover when possible

6. Keeping fuel tanks full to prevent condensation

Drain water from pressure washers, sprayers, and irrigation systems. Store chemicals according to their temperature requirements - many products are ruined if they freeze.

Be Ready for Emergencies

Keep These Supplies on Hand:

1. Backup generator with fuel

2. Emergency lighting and batteries

3. Snow removal equipment in good working order

4. Ice melt or sand for walkways

5. Emergency contacts for contractors and utilities

6. First aid supplies

Take photos of your property and equipment now for insurance documentation. Review your insurance policy to understand what winter damage is covered, and make sure staff know your emergency procedures.

Special Considerations for Livestock

If you have animals, also:

1. Ensure barns have good ventilation while staying warm

2. Check heated waterers work properly

3. Stock extra bedding

4. Verify feed storage is accessible during heavy snow

5. Test all barn doors and latches

Stay Ahead of the Weather

Check weather forecasts daily during winter. When severe weather is predicted, do an extra inspection of your facilities. The National Weather Service recommends taking preventive action before storms hit, not during or after.

Address small problems immediately - they become expensive emergencies if ignored.

Why This Matters

Yes, winter preparation takes time and money. But it's always cheaper than repairs and lost productivity. Facilities that follow these guidelines experience fewer insurance claims, less downtime, and avoid emergency situations that could threaten their entire operation.

Don't wait for the first freeze. Start your winter checklist today.

Partner with Agricultural Risk Management Experts

At Cottingham & Butler, we've spent decades helping agricultural operations prepare for and navigate winter challenges. We understand that every farm and agribusiness is different, which is why our risk management specialists work closely with you to:

1. Identify vulnerabilities in your specific operation

2. Create customized winter preparation plans

3. Ensure you have proper insurance coverage for winter-related damage

4. Provide ongoing support throughout the season

Our clients who implement thorough winter preparation protocols see fewer claims, less downtime, and greater peace of mind. Whether you're a small family operation or a large commercial facility, we're here to protect what you've built.

Contact Cottingham & Butler today to discuss your winter preparation and agricultural risk management needs.