By Ross Greene, UGA Extension ANR Agent, Evans and Candler Counties
As hurricane season approaches, livestock producers in Georgia should begin preparing now to protect their animals, equipment, and infrastructure. Storms can be unpredictable, but early action can reduce risk and make recovery much easier. Here are a few key recommendations based on guidance from UGA Extension, along with trusted resources from the University of Central Florida, UF/IFAS, and NC State Extension.
Start with Infrastructure
Take time to inspect barns, sheds, and other outbuildings for structural weaknesses. Reinforce doors and roofs, and secure anything that could become airborne in high winds, including propane tanks, irrigation equipment, or feed bins. Move heavy equipment like tractors away from trees or low‑lying areas that may flood, and have tarps or boards on hand for emergency repairs.
Plan for Power and Water
Power outages are common during hurricanes, and that means you may lose access to water if you rely on a well. Test your generator ahead of time and store at least a 72-hour fuel supply. It is also important to consult with an electrician to ensure your generator can operate at least one well pump. This will allow you to fill nurse tanks and haul water to livestock if needed. As a general estimate, a one‑horsepower well pump may require around 5,000 to 6,000 starting watts to run. Keep in mind that this is only an estimate. Factors like pump depth, voltage, and wiring can all affect how much power is needed. Always consult a certified electrician to avoid damaging your pump or electrical system.
Tag and Identify Livestock
Ensure every animal has visible identification that includes your contact information. Use ear tags, paint sticks, or braided tags for livestock and horses. Keep health records and ownership documents in a waterproof container and back them up digitally. Cattle and other larger livestock typically fare better in open, elevated pastures than inside barns. Smaller animals such as poultry, pigs, and rabbits should be kept in well‑ventilated shelters that are protected from flooding and wind‑blown debris.
Stock Feed and Emergency Supplies
Have enough feed and medications on hand to last at least one to two weeks. Feed stores may be closed for days after a storm. Store hay in dry, elevated areas, and be ready to discard anything that becomes wet or moldy. Prepare a disaster kit with halters, ropes, fencing materials, flashlights, batteries, first‑aid items, and anything else you may need for emergency repairs or livestock care.
Evacuate Early If Needed
If evacuation is needed, start early. Try to relocate animals at least 96 hours before a storm’s projected landfall. Identify shelter locations in advance—such as livestock barns, show barns, or fairgrounds—and ensure all animals have current health papers and vaccinations.
Maintain Records and Stay Informed
Keep an updated inventory of your animals, equipment, and buildings. Photos or videos taken before the storm can aid with insurance claims later. Store important records in the cloud or on an external drive. Also, sign up for Wireless Emergency Alerts and download a weather alert app such as FEMA’s to receive real‑time updates and evacuation notices.
Take Action Now
Storms in the Southeast can be severe, but farms that prepare ahead tend to recover faster and more safely. If you need help developing a disaster plan for your farm or would like checklists and planning tools, reach out to your local UGA Extension office. Preparing now can make all the difference when a hurricane is headed our way. Also, check out the resources below for more information on hurricane preparation and disaster relief.
Additional Resources and References
University of Central Florida. Hurricane Preparedness Guide. Retrieved from: https://www.ucf.edu/hurricane/preparedness/
UF/IFAS Extension – Levy County. Prepping Livestock During Hurricane Season. Retrieved from: https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/levyco/2024/09/23/prepping-livestock-during-hurricane-season/
NC State Extension – Haywood County. Hurricane Preparation for Livestock. Retrieved from: https://haywood.ces.ncsu.edu/2024/09/hurricane-preparation-for-livestock/
UGA Extension – Disaster Relief for Farmers and Producers . Retrieved from : https://extension.uga.edu/content/dam/extension/topic-areas/timely-topics/emergencies-and-disasters/2024-farmer-disaster-assistance.pdf
