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Livestock plays a significant role in any farm. They enhance soil fertility and can prevent insect infestations and the spread of many diseases. Livestock is worth protecting, especially during tornado season. Their powerful, sweeping winds can cause injuries, displacement, or livestock loss. With a detailed protection plan and an encompassing agricultural insurance policy, you can protect your livestock and minimize the damage done to your farm. 

How Can You Protect Livestock Before & After a Tornado?

1. Take Inventory

Store livestock feed, horse tack, and hay in secure locations that can withstand potential flooding and wind damage. There should be enough food and water to last for at least a week. To ensure enough of a supply, purchase feed and water storage tanks. 

Keep a large amount of animal medicine and first aid supplies. If the animals are injured, bandages and topical antibiotics can prevent infections. When necessary, use ropes or halters to restrain large animals until a veterinarian arrives. Since their injuries were caused by inclement weather, your agricultural insurance plan may cover treatment costs.

2. Consider Evacuation

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Evacuating larger animals to an unaffected county can ensure their safety. However, don't attempt to move them unless you have at least three days before the tornado arrives. Moving large animals is time-consuming, especially for farmers with significant livestock. Since many people may want to evacuate their animals as well, space in out-of-county shelters may be limited. 

If you can't evacuate the livestock, secure them in sheltered pens on high ground. Areas with large trees and a tall brush can also provide increased security during the storm. If there are no pens available, let the livestock loose in a large, fenced pasture, where they'll be safe from debris. 

While it may seem easier to house large livestock in a barn, the structure puts them in danger. A tornado's heavy winds can damage even the sturdiest barns, causing potentially life-threatening injuries. 

3. Update Identification

Some tornadoes can damage pens and fences, scattering livestock off your property. If that occurs, make sure the animals can be identified and tracked. Invest in GPS cattle tracking software or microchip IDs. Some farmers also paint or shave their phone numbers or addresses into their livestock as an extra precaution. 

If power and phone lines are down, you can rely on old-fashioned identification methods. Branding, tattoos, ear tags, and tags riveted to halters can help recover lost livestock once the storm passes over. 

 

Preparedness can help reduce the potential damage a tornado does to your farm, crops, and livestock. Should damage occur, having comprehensive agricultural insurance can compensate you for your losses and ensure your farm continues to thrive. For 40 years, Nebraska Crop Insurance Agency Inc. has provided peace of mind to farmers throughout Beatrice, NE. Their family-run agency offers coverage for lost livestock and crops, weather damage, and insect infestations. For more information on their coverage areas, visit their website. To schedule an appointment, call them at (402) 223-2694.

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