MSU Extension Animal Agriculture

Weather-related disasters, such as floods, winter storms, tornadoes or extreme temperatures that can last for extended periods of time are common in Michigan. Preparing for these events by ensuring animals have enough food, water and care can significantly impact the health, safety and well-being of your herd.

Coordinate with local resources

Discuss disaster preparedness with first responder agencies, local farmers and businesses, and facilities that can temporarily house livestock.

• First responder agencies - fire, police and animal control departments can better assist you in an emergency if they have prior knowledge of your facilities and an idea of how many animals you have.
• Utilities - communicate with your local power company so they know to prioritize your location, mitigating animal welfare concerns due to loss of power.
• Local farmers - make a plan with your local farmers and community members on how you will all handle disasters and how you can coordinate response to disasters. 

Preparing an emergency water supply

Water is essential for all animals, especially when disasters disrupt supply. In emergencies, dehydration can quickly become a significant issue.

• Aim to store 3 to 7 days of clean water.
• Livestock need about 1 to 2 gallons per 100 lbs. of body weight daily
• For example, a steer weighing 1,000 lbs. will drink around 20 gallons of water.

• Exception: Increased water intake occurs in lactating animals (cows, sheep, goats, etc.). A lactating dairy cow will drink 30-50 gallons of water daily.

• Exception: Increased water intake occurs in times of high heat.

Always have a reliable water supply and multiple backup plans to supply clean drinking water from various areas.

Water purification

Floods and disasters can contaminate water. Have purification tools, like chlorine tablets or filters, ready. Do not use floodwater unless it has been purified, as it may be contaminated.

Managing food supply

Providing feed for animals during natural disasters is another concern. Having excess feed and being able to access areas where animals are located to provide feed is important to prevent malnourishment, illness, or death due to lack of adequate nutrition.

Stockpiling feed

• Store enough feed for 3 to 7 days, up to a month.
• Feed to keep on hand in excess may include hay, silage and grains.
• Keep feed in a dry, off-the-ground, rodent-proof place.

Alternative feed

If regular feed runs out, keep alternative sources like grain silos or commercial feed blends available. Livestock supplements can also be useful. Work with local feed mills or feed stores to prepare for potential natural disasters or help bring in additional feed.

Managing pastures

If pastures or livestock areas where animals live are damaged during a disaster, you may need to feed supplemental feeds. Additionally, if you are in the middle of your birthing season, extra care must be taken to ensure newborns are safe and protected as much as possible from dangers. Having temporary or portable fencing could be a good option while the main pastures are disrupted, but have a solid plan of where to put this and make sure it is sturdy enough to hold all the animals in.

Handling food and water for different disasters

Each natural disaster is unique. Here is a quick breakdown of how to manage food and water during specific events:

• Flooding: While floods can ruin your water supply and feed storage, remember that livestock are adaptable. Use stored water and dry feed like hay and silage.
• Do not use floodwater unless purified. Your animals, with your support, can weather this storm.
• Drought: Water and forage are scarce during droughts. Conserve water and stock up on feed for your livestock.
• Wildfires: Wildfires can destroy grazing areas and contaminate water. Have plenty of stored feed and water, and make sure you can relocate livestock if needed.
• Extreme heat and cold: In heat, livestock need extra water, shade and ventilation if housed inside. In cold weather, keep water from freezing and provide extra energy-rich feed and bedding.

Managing animal mortality

The Michigan Bodies of Deal Animals Act (BODA; Act 239 of 1982, as amended) regulates the management of dead animals in Michigan. This law applies to all methods of disposal, even in emergency situations such as market disruption brought on by COVID-19. Under this act, there are realistically four alternatives for emergency dead animal disposal, with the last option pending, in Michigan:

• Off-site disposal
  • Landfill, Rendering or Incineration (MSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory)
• On-site disposal
  • Composting, Burial or Mesophilic static pile (pending MDARD approval)
    • For on-site composting in excess of 20,000 pounds, contact MDARD at 517-373-0440.
    • Include farm name and address, number and description of animals to be euthanized and the planned disposal method.

Producers considering options for carcass disposal may find the following resources helpful as they develop their plan for mortality management. Michigan BODA regulations will apply to all disposal methods utilized.

For more information, see "Managing animal mortalities after an accident involving livestock" from MSU Extension.

Other tips to stay prepared

• Monitor animal health: Look for dehydration, lethargy or signs of stress. Stress weakens immunity, so be sure to monitor animals frequently.
• Backup power source: Purchase and maintain a backup power source, such as a fuel-powered generator or an equipment-powered generator you can run with a tractor. Have batteries and portable charging blocks ready to stay connected to community resources and news.
• Create an emergency kit: Pack essential items like first aid supplies, medications and contact information for vets and local emergency agencies.
• Stay informed: Knowledge is power. Follow weather forecasts and local alerts, and sign up for emergency notifications. By staying ahead of the curve, you can make informed decisions that will protect your livestock.

When disaster strikes, it is important to have the right resources to help your livestock survive, which requires preparation. By storing water and food and creating a solid disaster plan, you can minimize the stress and impact on your animals, keeping them safe and comfortable through the crisis.

Sources and further reading

• FEMA, Animals in Disasters
• USDA Agricultural Protection and Recovery
• Extension Disaster Education Network
• Understanding Preparedness and Response, a resource by Michigan Farm Bureau
• Farm Emergency Preparedness Safety Checklist
• World Organization for Animal Health

By staying prepared and informed, you can help your livestock survive and thrive no matter what nature throws your way.