Met Éireann are predicting a cold front to move in towards the end of the week, with temperatures predicted to drop as low as -3℃ in places.

With vulnerable young calves on the ground and cows needing to be milked, farmers must be prepared for these freezing conditions.

Cold spells in February can pile even more pressure on dairy farmers, as issues such as milking parlours freezing over, water pipes freezing and bursting, and young animals getting sick can arise.

The cold snap in February seems to be a reoccurring trend over the last number of years, with cold temperatures often lasting into March.

Preparing for the cold snap

The milking parlour is one of the main concerns during freezing conditions, as a bit of frost can cause huge disruption.

It may be worthwhile installing a thermostat-controlled heater in the plant room, which should cut in when temperatures fall below 1℃.

Water needs to be drained from all the low points once the wash is finished, making sure all the excess water is removed from the plant.

All clusters should be removed from the jetters and left to hang down to remove any water in them.

Finally, a salt solution should be circulated through the parlour once the final rinse is washed through, making sure all detergent is well rinsed out.

A kilogram of salt per 20L will be sufficient to drop the freezing point of water.

Give the parlour a thorough rinse out before the next milking to get rid of any salt residues.

Hard frosts often result in freezing water pipes and troughs, affecting the herd's water availability.

Farmers that have their own private well often fail to prepare for the frost.

While the submersible pump should not freeze when deep in the ground, the pipes and fittings coming from the pump to the sheds can however still freeze, creating problems.

Where pipes are exposed and prone to freezing, some farmers leave the tap trickling to keep water flowing and stop freezing.

If your pipes do freeze over, watch out for water toxicity when the water returns, as the cows may overdrink.

Calves

During the cold weather, farmers must remember how vulnerable young calves are.

They need to have a deep straw bed. If the shed is exposed to cold draughts, put a full bale of straw hay/into the pen for them to huddle around and consider investing in calf jackets.

As farmers vaccinate calves, it is important to remember that medicines also need to be insulated. If they go below 5°C, they may end up damaged.

Storms

Unfortunately, February/March storms seem to be an annual event now too, and farmers need to prepare for high winds over the coming months.

Many farms already have existing damage from previous storms, whether it be to tree lines, sheds, or fencing.

This damage needs be dealt with now as another storm may drive it over the edge and cause significant damage.

Any loose objects that may be blown around the farmyard need to be secured before any storms.

If a high wind storm does come, farmers should minimise air flow by sealing doors and preventing drafts to ensure roofs are not damaged.

Having a back-up generator on standby for milking is becoming an essential these days, especially as many farms may be on isolated power lines that could take longer to fix.

However, minding your own safety is the most important thing during a storm.

Farmers need to keep away from structures that could cave in during high winds.

They should tell someone where they are or are planning on going, and wear high visibility clothing.