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winter weather doesn't stop Ohio farmersAs Ohioans prepare for another winter storm and try to stay safe and warm, Ohio farmers are taking steps to ensure their animals are protected from the harsh weather as well. Because the state's farmers rely on their animals to produce safe, wholesome, high quality food for Ohioans, they are committed to providing them with excellent care year-round - no matter what the weather brings.Farming is an around-the-clock job," said David White, executive director of the Ohio Livestock Coalition. "Ohio farmers never take shortcuts when it comes to caring for their animals and continue their excellent animal care practices even during the coldest days." The Ohio Livestock Coalition represents Ohio's dairy, beef, turkey, pork, sheep, egg and poultry farmers, who all take measures to ensure their animals are safe and healthy during winter weather. Ohio's poultry and egg farmers provide their hens with temperature controlled housing that protects them from extreme temperatures, wind, snow, sleet and rain. Similarly, Ohio's pork farmers house their hogs in well-ventilated barns with clean pens and a ready supply of fresh food and water. While Ohio's beef cattle are able to handle cold temperatures, Ohio cattle farmers make dietary changes to provide more calories that allow cattle to produce heat energy. They also may supplement the animals' food supply when pastures and grazing areas are covered by snow, and provide windbreaks to protect them from cold winds. And because expectant sheep do not follow a daytime schedule, caring for them in the winter, when most lambing occurs, is an especially labor intensive, around-the-clock job for Ohio farmers. Our state's dairy farmers provide their cows with protective housing and ensure they receive regular check ups by large animal veterinarians to monitor their health. Likewise, Ohio farmers house turkeys in temperature controlled barns and work hard to ensure they never go without feed by plowing routes and driveways so feed trucks can make their way into their farms. The cold weather and heavy snow make routine on-farm practices like transporting feed and water challenging, but Ohio farmers brave the bitter temperatures to ensure their animals are healthy and they are able to provide safe, high quality food for Ohioans. "So much goes into running a farm - and farming doesn't stop when the weather turns bad," White said. "Ohio farmers must constantly monitor the weather and react appropriately to ensure their animal care and farm operations, along with Ohio's food supply, are not disrupted." Ohio farmers know excellent animal care is essential to raising healthy herds to provide Ohio families with safe, high quality food. That's why year-round they provide their animals with safe, healthy living conditions, nutritious feed, and veterinary medical attention when necessary. Ohio farmers' commitment to caring for their animals ensures Ohioans have access to high quality food, even in the coldest months. You must be logged in to leave a comment. Click here to login or register. |
Grow It. Make It. Know It. :
March 13, 2010 - October 23, 2010
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