Winter is here in Idaho, and we all know that means cold weather and difficult conditions. Those are important factors to consider, especially for farmers and ranchers. That’s why it is essential to make preparations for winter before the conditions become even more treacherous.
As one of the premier designers and builders of barns, sheds, and garages in Coeur d’Alene, our team at MQS, Inc. has some helpful advice on staying ahead of the bitter cold weather. One of the best ways to do so is by stocking up on all the necessary supplies to keep your farm running smoothly, even in the brutal cold.
Here are some of the things we recommend keeping well stocked inside your steel building in Coeur d’Alene.
Hay for Farm Animals
One thing that farm animals need to survive the winter is an ample food supply. Animals like horses, cattle, and goats can get by during warmer weather by eating grass in the pasture. However, during the winter, when the grass stops growing, these animals need a new food source.
That’s why many farmers stock up on square hay bales during warmer weather months and store them inside their pole barns in Coeur d’Alene. Storing hay bales inside helps prevent mold, mildew, or dust from accumulating, which can all be harmful if ingested by a farm animal. Pole barn builders in Coeur d’Alene recommend having enough hay to last until the grass turns green and starts growing in the spring.
Salt and Ice Melt
If you have sidewalks or any other paved surfaces near your barn or garage in Coeur d’Alene, make sure you have plenty of salt or ice melt this winter. Freezing rain and ice can stick to hard surfaces, making them slippery and very difficult to walk on. To limit the risk of slips and falls, make sure you apply an adequate supply of ice melt to these surfaces. A hard fall on a slick surface can result in serious injuries, so make sure you have the right supplies to prevent this from happening.
Heaters or Heat Lamps
Some larger animals may not need a heat source in order to survive the winter; however, some of your smaller animals may need either a heater or a heat lamp to get through the bitter cold. If you install a heater or multiple heaters inside your steel building in Coeur d’Alene, make sure they are in a spot that you would consider safe. If the heaters are located too close to the animals, they could be knocked over which might lead to serious safety issues.
Contact MQS, Inc. for Your Next Steel Building in Coeur d’Alene
Our team at MQS, Inc. will help design and construct the perfect farm building to fit your every need. Whether it’s to store supplies, house animals, or serve as a garage for your vehicles, we will work with you to make sure it is exactly what you need for your farm.
To get started, give us a call or go online to receive a free quote on your project.