EMERGENCY RISK REDUCTION

Last month, we discussed the wildfire hazard for agriculture and especially the protection of farm animals – either by movement or ‘sheltering in place’. Let’s mention a few other natural hazards.

Earthquakes are a common topic in western Canada, since we’re along a similar geological zone as California to our south. And we know of the earthquake risks along the fault zones of the west coast. Practically speaking, the farmers are in better shape than, say, residences. Most barns will remain ‘livable’ for livestock after a quake. As well, pastures are usually available, except in extreme weather situations. Livestock may not be accustomed to the elements but they will survive during an emergency.

The challenge in an earthquake is that most of the ‘farm services’ may be disrupted. Utilities such as electricity, water, and natural gas are taken for granted by us all until they stop. Prepared farmers have backups. This should at a minimum be a properly sized generator, a water pump, and a water source. Units that attach to a tractor are a useful redundancy.  Water is most critical during the immediate hours after a disaster strikes Depending on the farm layout, animals may have access to surface water (i.e. stream, pond) or the water must be pumped (i.e. well). Most farm animals may lose some production because of not getting their regular feed type and quantity, but they will survive.

The other likely interruption is pickup and delivery services to the farm. In a sizeable earthquake, some roads and bridges will very likely be blocked. Pickup of milk, eggs, etc. won’t be a priority. Farms may have some extra storage capacity, but after a limit is reached, dumping will happen. This will literally be money down the drain but may be a small issue in a major shake. The more critical service may be delivery interruption, especially animal feed and particularly for poultry farms. These large poultry houses with 20-30,000 birds in each receive feed almost daily and mortality will begin to occur within a couple of days. Extra on-farm storage is the answer, but this also has a practical limit.  Cows, horses, sheep, goats, and even pigs will fare better, if they can be turned out to graze or forage for themselves. They may not thrive, but they will survive.

Structure fire is the other hazard on the farm, and it’s actually the most common emergency. The most likely is a horse barn fire, perhaps because they are ubiquitous. Farmers should take prevention measures such as inspections of wiring and heating units, cleaning away flammable materials (including bird and rat nests and dust), and proper storage of other flammables, such as hay and feed. Preparedness measure should include having adequate and properly placed fire extinguishers and tools, and some water hoses nearby.   

Other natural hazards face farmers and ranchers, mostly involving extreme weather. And this is only one category of risk that agricultural producers face. Farming is inherently full of risks, and it is no wonder that the number of farms and farmers is decreasing. We should all be grateful for those willing to embrace this lifestyle. It comes with joys and heartaches…but with a little foresight, perhaps will not include disasters.

Thanks for reading.