Prepare as early as possible for a storm by following these US/IFAS tips on getting the farm hurricane-ready.

The Atlantic Hurricane Season lasts from June 1st to November 30th, and that time offers a lot of opportunities for damaging storms to threaten The Sunshine State. Farmers and ranchers in Florida need to be prepared for a major storm during this time, and the folks at UF/IFAS have some tips on getting the farm hurricane-ready. With Hurricane Dorian forecast to hit Florida from the east, those in agriculture need to prepare. See the advice below.

Getting the Farm Hurricane-Ready

The tips below are copied from a Southeast AgNet article featuring the advice of Jackson County’s UF/IFAS Extension director, Doug Mayo. “The main thing is that farmers need to be prepared to be self-sufficient for a more than a week if a storm hits,” Mayo said. “It’s best to prepare now for a hurricane because this can minimize confusion and delays.”

Mayo’s advice includes:

  • Create a printed list of extended family, veterinarian, employees and their families, your local farm services agency office, utility company and local county Extension office.
  • Purchase batteries for flashlights and lanterns. Have enough flashlights ready for each employee. June 1 to 7 is the state’s designated week for hurricane prep tax-free shopping. This would be a great time to stock up on supplies.
  • Stock up on feed for animals receiving supplemental feeds. Don’t forget the cat and dog food. Have enough hay, feed and health-care supplies on hand for one to two weeks. Feed stores may not be open for business for a week or more after a storm.
  • Check to ensure generators are ready and in working order for livestock operations that rely on electricity for milking parlors, chicken houses, wells for watering livestock and electric fence chargers.
  • Make sure chainsaws are in good working order and stock up on mixed fuel.
  • Locate chains and come-a-long for limb and tree movement off fences and buildings.
  • Stock up on fence repair materials: wire, posts and staples for repairing fences damaged by limbs and trees.

More information about getting ready for a hurricane can be found here: http://disaster.ifas.ufl.edu. Citrus growers can find more tips here.

Griffin Fertilizer is committed to helping both growers and ranchers make sound agronomic and economic decisions in order to maximize the health of their grove and pasture. As a full-service custom dry & liquid fertilizer blender and crop protection product distributor, we will continue our mission to further advance Florida agriculture. For questions or concerns about your farm or pasture, contact us and one of our team will be in touch.