Farmers Prepare Animals, Workers For Frigid Temperatures
Officials Say Animals Can Suffer From Frostbite, Hypothermia
Updated: 11:57 am CST January 14, 2009
FITCHBURG, Wis. -- While the wind chills that are expected in the coming days might keep many indoors, others have no choice but to be out in the elements.
VIDEO: Watch The ReportLivestock farmers will be challenged this week by the frigid conditions not only to keep themselves and their workers safe, but also their animals, WISC-TV reported.Farmer Pat O'Brien said that there are three kinds of workers people will find doing their job no matter the weather."You got snow plow drivers, you got postmen and farmers, of course," he said.Even a head cold isn't stopping the Fitchburg dairy farmer from battling the incoming frigid temperatures. He said of particular concern is his animals."We have a lot of animals that are outside that are exposed to the weather and it can be very dangerous," he said.O'Brien said that he taught his employees about the dangers of wind chills that are between 20 to 40 degrees below zero and what effect they can have on his livestock."How to feed the calves, how to take care of the cows, how to make sure that we don't have any problems with sick animals as a result of this cold weather, or sick employees," he said.Officials with the state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection said that like indoor pets, livestock can suffer dangerous consequences from harsh winter temperatures."Animals can suffer hypothermia, frostbite. Certainly, we know they can freeze to death just like human beings can," said Donna Gilson, of the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.To guard against this, O'Brien said that he and his team are stocking up on food, water and extra bedding.State officials said that they believe farmers know the potential risks."When it comes to livestock, we're not terribly concerned just because farmers are very knowledgeable," said Gilson.Day or night, warm or frozen, O'Brien said he'll be out on his farm to protect his livelihood.For More Info:
VIDEO: Watch The ReportLivestock farmers will be challenged this week by the frigid conditions not only to keep themselves and their workers safe, but also their animals, WISC-TV reported.Farmer Pat O'Brien said that there are three kinds of workers people will find doing their job no matter the weather."You got snow plow drivers, you got postmen and farmers, of course," he said.Even a head cold isn't stopping the Fitchburg dairy farmer from battling the incoming frigid temperatures. He said of particular concern is his animals."We have a lot of animals that are outside that are exposed to the weather and it can be very dangerous," he said.O'Brien said that he taught his employees about the dangers of wind chills that are between 20 to 40 degrees below zero and what effect they can have on his livestock."How to feed the calves, how to take care of the cows, how to make sure that we don't have any problems with sick animals as a result of this cold weather, or sick employees," he said.Officials with the state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection said that like indoor pets, livestock can suffer dangerous consequences from harsh winter temperatures."Animals can suffer hypothermia, frostbite. Certainly, we know they can freeze to death just like human beings can," said Donna Gilson, of the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.To guard against this, O'Brien said that he and his team are stocking up on food, water and extra bedding.State officials said that they believe farmers know the potential risks."When it comes to livestock, we're not terribly concerned just because farmers are very knowledgeable," said Gilson.Day or night, warm or frozen, O'Brien said he'll be out on his farm to protect his livelihood.For More Info: Copyright 2009 by Channel 3000. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
