Advice to farmers as temperatures drop

As the first snow of the year falls and forecasters predict a “prolonged spell of very cold weather”, RSPCA Assured is offering farmers tips on keeping their animals warm.

Winter can be a challenging time for those working in farming, and cold weather can cause welfare concerns for farm animals.

“The next few days are predicted to bring freezing temperatures, so taking steps to keep your animals warm is vital.” Warns Charlotte Thomas, regional assessment manager at RSPCA Assured.

“While humans can escape the elements, farmed animals rely on us to help them cope with the harsh conditions.” Charlotte continues. “Wet, windy and freezing weather can have a big impact on animal welfare - but with some planning and proactive care, farmers can ensure their animals stay warm, dry and healthy.

“The RSPCA welfare standards contain important guidance on how to manage cold weather for individual species. We hope a quick refresher of these tips serves both as a useful checklist for our members as temperatures drop, as well as being helpful reminders for farmers outside of the RSPCA Assured scheme.”

Get winter-ready

Prepare now before the worst of the winter weather sets in. A few key steps can make a world of difference:

• Make sure you have a good supply of feed, bedding, and essential medication in case of supply chain disruptions caused by snow, flooding, or icy roads

Having a plan in place for power cuts - such as installing a generator - ensures vital systems like water pumps and lighting keep running.

Feeding and hydration

Proper nutrition and hydration are essential for farmed animals in winter. Sometimes, bad weather can affect the availability of usual feed and water supplies - so it’s vital these are monitored closely:

• Feed helps animals maintain body heat. Weather conditions may affect pasture quality, so it is important to ensure grazing animals are given supplementary feed if grazing is unavailable
• Check water supplies multiple times a day and deal with any that have iced over. Monitoring how much animals drink is just as important in winter as in summer.

Shelter from the elements

To protect farm animals from the harsh cold weather, farmers can:

• Provide dry, well-ventilated (but draught-free) shelters that keep animals safe from wind, rain, and snow. Natural windbreaks like hedges or trees can offer extra protection
• Use plenty of bedding and replace damp or dirty material regularly. Pigs, for instance, are particularly sensitive to the cold and benefit from deep bedding and insulated shelters, free from draughts.

Keep an eye on health

Cold, damp conditions can bring on new health problems or worsen existing ones. RSPCA Assured advises farmers to monitor the health and behaviour of their animals daily:

• Watch out for respiratory issues, like coughing or nasal discharge
• In freezing temperatures, check for frostbite, which can show up as pale or darkened ears and tails
• Keep a close eye on hooves as wet, muddy conditions can lead to foot rot and other painful issues. Regular trimming, dependent on species, and access to dry ground are essential.

Routine and care

Consistency is so important for animals, especially during the winter. Sticking to regular feeding times and care routines can help reduce stress.

Spending time with livestock also gives farmers the chance to notice subtle changes in their animals’ behaviour or condition, which might indicate a problem.

Staying informed

The weather can change very quickly in winter. To stay alerted to unpredictable weather, farmers can sign up for things such as flood warnings from The Environment Agency and get live weather alerts from The Met Office app.

Being prepared for the unexpected can save a lot of stress for both farmers and their animals.

Charlotte says: “These steps can help farmers keep their animals healthy and comfortable, even during the worst weather. RSPCA Assured members who need advice on meeting the RSPCA welfare standards during challenging weather conditions can reach out to RSPCA Assured’s farming and technical engagement team for support.”

Every aspect of farmed animal welfare, from feed and water provision to environmental enrichment, healthcare, handling and more, is covered by the RSPCA’s welfare standards. Find out more about RSPCA Assured and the RSPCA welfare standards.