UConn Extension’s new fact sheet series is helping farm operations prepare for extreme weather. The first in the series, “Preparing Farm Operations for Extreme Weather: General Strategies for Producers,” is authored by Diane Dorfer, Sara Tomis and MacKenzie White. This timely resource is designed to help farmers and agricultural stakeholders proactively prepare for the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events.
Weather Risk on the Rise
In recent years, farm operations have faced growing exposures from floods, high winds, early or late frosts, extended heatwaves and more.
Given projections by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) that extreme weather events are likely to intensify, this fact sheet provides producers with a foundational guide to preparation and risk reduction.
This fact sheet serves as the first installment in a planned series of resources and checklists for farm-level preparedness. Key advice includes:
- Staying informed – Sign up for local emergency alerts, forest fire danger lists, air quality monitoring and other notification systems.
- Family & personal readiness – Develop a written communication plan, emergency protocol for evacuation and emergency supply kits for all family members and pets.
- Farm emergency planning – Maintain up-to-date inventory records (with photos), detailed farm maps shared with first responders and a biosecurity plan especially for livestock operations.
- Infrastructure & materials – Keep backup supplies (water, food, medications), maintain first aid kits for humans and animals and regularly inspect and reinforce barns, fences, buildings and critical equipment.
- Fire risk mitigation – Clear combustible materials, check fire extinguishers and smoke alarms and plan for fire emergencies in buildings and barns.
- Power outages, blocked roads & mobility obstacles – Identify systems and equipment vulnerable to outages (e.g. freezers, ventilation, pumps), maintain backup generators and have tools such as chainsaws on hand to clear debris.
The fact sheet also emphasizes that post-event responses – such as monitoring plant and animal health and assessing contamination of soil or water – are critical follow-up steps.
Additional Seasonal Resources
In addition to this general guide, the UConn Extension team has developed fact sheets tailored to each season providing producers with timely, practical strategies to manage the specific risks associated with changing weather conditions. These seasonal resources complement the general strategies and ensure farms are prepared year-round.
These resources are intended for farmers, farm managers, Extension professionals, ag service providers, livestock operators and rural emergency planners. It is especially relevant for those in regions with increasing weather volatility or who want to bolster their resilience against natural hazards.
The fact sheet is available free at extension.uconn.edu/publication/extreme-weather-farm-operations. The document includes links to checklists and related guides, such as livestock-specific extreme weather resources, a biosecurity plan template and seasonal extreme weather preparation fact sheets.
