Now is a good time to finish hurricane prep to make sure your ag operations is ready ahead of the start of the Atlantic Hurricane Season.
The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center (CPC) will be using a new set of data to determine the “average” hurricane season when it makes its initial forecast for this year’s Atlantic hurricane season. According to a Citrus Industry article, the new data increases the number of storms in an “average” season from 12 named storms to 14, with three being major storms. Despite what the forecast says when it’s released in late May, now is a good time to undertake hurricane prep ahead of the June 1st start to the season. See tips below.
Tips for Hurricane Prep on the Farm
It’s always a good idea to have the bulk of your hurricane prep done ahead of the approach of a storm. A lot of it is having a plan that outlines what is going to be done when a threatening storm is looming, and who in your ag operation is going to do it, but a lot of it can be done right now. Your plan should include:
- Collecting all important information and documents, like employee contacts, numbers for veterinarians, utilities, FSA, and Extension offices, and insurance.
- Stocking up on batteries for flashlights and gas for generators, chainsaws, and the like.
- Ensuring equipment like generators, chainsaws, and ATVs are in working order and ready to go.
- Securing fertilizers and chemicals.
- Making sure you have adequate feed and water on hand.
- Making repairs to barns, outbuildings, fencing, and any other structures.
- Securing and safeguarding machines, tools, and equipment.
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.