How to prepare livestock for heavy rainfall

Heavy rainfall may present challenging ground conditions and risk of flooding; find out tips on how to prepare on a livestock farm.

To maintain production in wet conditions and for future grazing, minimising the risk of poaching by using alternative multiple gateways, back-fencing grazing paddocks and practising on-off grazing. This will help to maintain grazed grass intakes while reducing the risk of soil damage.

It is important to check ground conditions are suitable for grazing. Avoiding livestock walking over previously grazed areas is key to minimise the negative effect on re-growth and soil structure.

If you are trying to graze heavy covers and poaching becomes an issue, move the group to lower covers to help hit a target residual of 1,500 kg DM/ha (4 cm) or consider increasing the target residual. If heavy land is saturated, you may have to move to a dry paddock to graze while conditions are wet.

You may need to sacrifice short-term grazing efficiency to protect the soil and grass growth for the future.

Identify areas where there is a risk of flooding and make a plan to avoid grazing these areas when heavy rain is forecast. In the case of sudden rainfall, have a plan for evacuation and ensure all staff are aware of it.

Check out our top tips for dealing with extreme rainfall:

• Consider how you will inform staff about an impending flood and how staff may be able to help you prepare
• Make sure you evacuate flood-prone fields early so animals do not become trapped by rising water
• Identify fields on higher ground where livestock can be moved to safety and gain permission to use these in advance of flooding if they are not your own
• Maintain ditches to ensure rapid run-off after flooding, as excess soil moisture is as damaging as surface water
• Identify stock, machinery and tools that can easily be moved off the farm to prevent loss or damage
• Consider purchasing a stockpile of useful materials that can be used during a flood such as sandbags to prevent water entering barns or sheds, plywood to board up windows and pallets to raise stock and equipment above floodwater level
• During floods, livestock need food and clean water, but be aware that existing stock and supplies may have become contaminated

You can find more details about signing up for flood warnings on GOV.UK or by calling the 24/7 service Floodline on 0345 988 1188.