USDA encouraging preparation for Winter Storm Fern

The storm could impact more than 230 million Americans

The USDA is warning farmers in the path of Winter Storm Fern to take proper preparation measures.

Between Jan. 23 and Jan. 26, Fern is expected to bring ice and snow throughout 34 states and affect more than 230 million Americans.

“A broad swath from the southern Rockies, the Texas Panhandle and Oklahoma to the Ohio Valley and Northeast will likely pick up at least 6 inches of snow through Monday,” The Weather Channel says. “Many of these areas have a good chance of measuring a foot or more of snow.”

USDA is encouraging livestock producers to ensure the animals are taken care of.

This includes access to food, shelter, dry bedding and unfrozen water.

With the cold temperatures coming, additional feed may be necessary.

“Livestock will increase their daily feed intake to remain warm. Beef cattle are expected to need an additional 1% of total digestible nutrients for every degree of temperature below their ‘critical’ temperature,” North Carolina State University Extension says.

If moving livestock across state lines, USDA asks farmers to contact the receiving State Veterinary Office.

The ag department is also reminding farmers of the available programs to help with recovery from winter storms.

And growers with federal crop insurance or enrolled in the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program should report losses to their crop insurance agent or local FSA office within 72 hours of discovering damage.

One ag organization is highlighting farmer resilience in the face of Fern.

“When winter storms are forecast, farmers don’t panic. They prepare,” the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation said on X. “Extra hay, bedding barns, winterizing wells, fueling tractors, and planning for power outages. Prayers for safety as Winter Storm Fern moves across the state.”