How to protect animals, barns, feed and farm supplies before high winds, heavy rain and flash flooding arrive 

Hurricane season can bring powerful winds, storm surge, prolonged power outages and sudden flooding to farms across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. For livestock owners, equestrians and small-scale farmers, waiting until a storm is approaching can leave too little time to safely move animals, secure buildings or gather essential supplies. 

A practical farm hurricane preparedness plan can reduce confusion, protect livestock and help your operation recover faster. Whether you care for horses, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, poultry or a mixed backyard flock, preparation should begin well before the first warning is issued. 

Why Atlantic Canadian farms need a hurricane plan.

Maritime weather can change quickly.
A hurricane or post-tropical storm may produce several hazards at once: 

• High winds that damage barns, fencing and shelters  
• Falling trees and airborne debris  
• Heavy rainfall and flash flooding  
• Storm surge in low-lying coastal areas  
• Washed-out lanes, culverts and access roads  
• Extended power, pump and communication outages  
• Contaminated wells, pasture and feed  
• Frightened animals that may escape through damaged fencing  

Every property has different risks. Begin by identifying low-lying fields, waterways, weak structures, aging trees, flood-prone roads, and areas where animals could become trapped. 

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada recommend maintaining a written emergency plan, farm map, livestock inventory, animal identification information and records of feed, equipment, hazardous materials and vaccinations. Review its emergency-planning guidance for producers here: Emergency planning is for producers too – agriculture.canada.ca 

 

Create a livestock evacuation plan before the storm.

Decide in advance whether your animals will shelter on the farm or evacuate. This decision may depend on the storm’s projected path, local flood risk, road conditions, available transportation, and the strength of your buildings. 

Your plan should answer the following questions: 

• Where will each group of animals go?  
• Is the destination on higher ground and outside the expected flood area?  
• Are trailers and hauling vehicles ready?  
• How many trips will be required?  
• Who is available to help catch, load, and transport animals?  
• Which evacuation routes and alternate routes can accommodate a trailer?  
• Where will animals be housed if they cannot return immediately?  
• Who will make the final decision to evacuate?  

Never wait until water is rising or winds are severe to begin moving livestock. Trailers can become unsafe in strong crosswinds, and flooded roads may conceal washouts, debris, or damaged culverts. Follow instructions from local emergency officials and never drive through floodwater. 

Practice loading animals before hurricane season; An emergency is not the time to introduce a horse, cow, sheep or goat to a trailer for the first time. 

Prepare halters, leads and handling equipment 

Reliable handling equipment can make evacuation faster and safer. Keep emergency supplies together in a clearly marked, easily accessible location—not buried at the back of a tack room or locked inside a building that could become unsafe. 

For horses and suitable livestock, prepare: 

• Properly fitted halters  
• Strong lead ropes  
• Spare halters in multiple sizes  
• Livestock ties or trailer ties appropriate for the animal  
• Quick-release hardware where appropriate  
• Stable hooks and safe hanging hardware  
• Livestock panels or portable gates  
• Flashlights and headlamps  
• Work gloves and sturdy footwear  

Inspect every halter before storm season. Look for frayed webbing, stretched holes, rusted hardware, loose stitching and damaged snaps. Buckles should fasten securely, and the halter should fit closely enough that it cannot easily slip off without restricting breathing or movement. 

Label halters and lead ropes with the owner’s name, phone number and the animal’s identification. Waterproof luggage tags, livestock markers or securely attached identification tags can help reunite an animal with its owner if fences fail or animals are displaced. 

Do not leave an ordinary halter on an unattended animal unless your emergency plan specifically requires it and it can be done safely. Halters may catch on fencing, branches or barn hardware. Stage fitted halters where they can be reached quickly and consider breakaway options when appropriate. Ask your veterinarian or an experienced livestock professional for your species and setup. 

Feeds’n Needs carries practical farm and stable essentials such as halters, lead ropes, ties, buckets, stable hooks and livestock-handling supplies to help owners prepare before severe weather arrives. Product availability may vary by store. 

 

Identifying every animal

Visible identification is especially important when high winds or flooding can damage fences.
Depending on the species and provincial requirements, identification may include: 

• Ear tags  
• Tattoos  
• Microchips  
• Leg bands  
• Halter tags  
• Livestock-safe temporary marking  
• Waterproof contact information attached securely to a suitable collar or halter  

Keep current photos of horses and livestock, including distinguishing markings. Store digital and printed copies of ownership records, registration papers, health information, medications and vaccination records. 

Maintain an updated list of animal numbers by species, pasture, and building. Ensure that another trusted person knows where the records are kept. 

Reduce the risk from flash flooding 

Flash flooding can rise quickly and cut off access to barns, pastures, and roads. Move animals away from flood-prone fields, riverbanks, drainage channels, and low-lying buildings before heavy rain begins. 

Avoid locking animals inside a structure that is likely to flood. At the same time, do not release animals onto roads or unfamiliar land. The safest choice depends on the property, predicted conditions and available shelter, which is why planning with your veterinarian, municipality and local emergency officials is essential. 

Before the storm: 

• Clear safe drainage routes without entering unstable ditches  
• Move portable equipment and supplies to higher ground  
• Raise bagged feed, bedding and medications off the floor  
• Relocate fuel, chemicals and pesticides away from flood risk  
• Secure manure storage and waste areas  
• Check culverts, lanes and alternate access points  
• Move tractors and generators to secure, elevated locations  

After flooding, treat standing water, submerged feed and wet bedding as potentially contaminated. Do not allow livestock to drink from floodwater. Inspect wells and water systems and follow provincial guidance before resuming use if contamination is suspected. The Government of Canada advises residents to understand their local flood risk and follow directions from emergency responders and officials. Read Canada’s flood-preparedness guidance. 

Secure barns, coops and farm property

High winds can turn loose equipment into dangerous debris. Walk the property before the weather deteriorates and secure or move: 

• Feeders and water tubs  
• Wheelbarrows and tools  
• Garbage cans and empty barrels  
• Portable shelters  
• Gates and livestock panels  
• Patio furniture and signs  
• Tarps and temporary fencing  
• Trailers and small equipment  

Inspect roofs, doors, windows and siding. Repair loose metal, damaged latches, and weak hinges. Store chemicals, medications and fuels in secure locations, following their handling and ventilation requirements. 

Remove dead branches where it is safe to do so but leave major tree work to qualified professionals. Identify large trees that could fall across barns, fences, power lines, or evacuation routes. 

 

Protect feed, hay, bedding and clean water 

A hurricane can disrupt deliveries and electricity for several days. Maintain an emergency supply of feed, forage, bedding, and water based on the needs of your animals and the realistic length of a local outage. 

Store feed in waterproof, animal-resistant containers. Keep bagged products on pallets or shelving and away from walls where moisture may enter. Inspect the hay-storage area for roof leaks, blocked drainage, and wind exposure. 

Discard feed or hay that has been contaminated by floodwater, fuel, chemicals, mould or sewage. When in doubt, consult your veterinarian, feed specialist or provincial agriculture authority before feeding it. 

Water planning is equally important. Calculate how much your animals require each day, including extra water for cleaning and heat. Fill approved water containers before the storm and keep buckets and tubs clean and ready. 

If your farm relies on an electric well pump, establish a backup water plan. Generators must be operated outdoors and well away from doors, windows, barns and occupied spaces to prevent deadly carbon monoxide exposure. Never connect a generator to a building electrical system without approved transfer of equipment installed by a qualified electrician. 

 

Assemble a farm emergency kit 

Keep supplies in waterproof, clearly marked containers that can be loaded quickly.
A livestock and small-farm emergency kit may include: 

• Halters, leads and suitable livestock ties  
• Feed and water buckets  
• Stable hooks and hanging hardware  
• Portable fencing supplies  
• Livestock identification supplies  
• First-aid supplies recommended by your veterinarian  
• Several days of essential medications  
• Flashlights, headlamps and batteries  
• Battery-powered radio  
• Charged power banks  
• Work gloves and rain gear  
• Basic hand tools  
• Fire extinguishers  
• Paper farm maps and evacuation routes  
• Animal records and emergency contacts  
• Feed, forage, bedding and potable water  

Check the kit at the beginning of hurricane season and replace expired medications, damaged equipment and dead batteries. 

Build an emergency contact list

Keep printed and digital copies of contact information for: 

• Your veterinarian  
• Local emergency management office  
• Provincial emergency alerts  
• Fire department and police  
• Trailer owners and livestock transporters  
• Nearby farmers and trusted neighbours  
• Feed and farm-supply store  
• Temporary boarding locations  
• Insurance provider  
• Electric utility  
• Fuel supplier  

Assign responsibilities to family members, employees, and neighbours. Everyone should know who monitors alerts, who handles each group of animals, who prepares the trailer, and who shuts down utilities if authorities advise doing so. 

 

 

Inspect animals and property after the storm 

Wait for officials to confirm that it is safe before returning to an evacuated property. Watch for downed power lines, unstable buildings, sharp debris, washed-out ground and displaced wildlife. 

Check animals for: 

• Cuts, punctures or swelling  
• Lameness  
• Breathing difficulty  
• Signs of stress or shock  
• Dehydration  
• Reduced appetite  
• Diarrhea or digestive upset  
• Exposure to contaminated water or feed  

Contact your veterinarian if an animal is injured, behaving abnormally or may have consumed contaminated material. 

Before returning livestock to a field, walk the entire fence line and inspect gates, posts, wire, water sources and footing. Photograph damage before beginning cleanup when it is safe, particularly for insurance records. 

 

Prepare now, not when the wind begins 

Atlantic Canadian farmers are accustomed to changing weather, but hurricanes and post-tropical storms can test even experienced operations. A written plan, safe evacuation route, reliable animal identification and well-maintained handling equipment can make a critical difference. 

Visit your local Feeds’n Needs before severe weather arrives to prepare your farm emergency kit and stock up on available stable accessories, halters, lead ropes, buckets, hooks, livestock-handling supplies, feed and bedding. 

Preparation protects more than property, it protects the animals and people who depend on your farm. 

 

Hay Storage & Hay Quality Guide for Fall: How to Inspect, Store & Protect Your Hay for Winter in Atlantic Canada

As summer winds down, many livestock and horse owners shift their focus toward one of the most important jobs of the season—preparing hay for fall and winter. 

Whether you’re feeding a few backyard sheep, a small family horse barn, or a commercial cattle operation, the quality of the hay you store this fall will directly impact the health of your animals throughout the winter months. 

Atlantic Canada’s unpredictable weather brings unique challenges. Late summer humidity, hurricane season, and early fall rain can quickly turn quality hay into wasted feed if it isn’t stored correctly. 

Here’s how to evaluate your hay, improve storage conditions, and ensure your livestock have a safe, nutritious feed supply all winter long. 

 

Why Hay Quality Matters 

Hay isn’t just filler—it’s often the primary source of fiber and nutrition for livestock throughout the winter.
Poor-quality hay can result in: 

• Weight loss
• Reduced milk production 
• Lower body condition 
• Increased feed waste 
• Respiratory issues from mold or dust 
• Digestive problems
  Taking the time to inspect your hay now can prevent costly problems later in the season. 

 

Step 1: Evaluate Your Current Hay Supply
Before purchasing additional hay, take inventory of what you already have. 

Ask yourself: 

• How many bales remain? 
• Are they dry and well stored? 
• Has any hay become moldy or weather damaged? 
• Will your current inventory last until spring?
  Many producers underestimate winter feed requirements. 

As a general guideline, horses and livestock consume approximately 2–3% of their body weight daily in forage, depending on species, age, workload, and production stage. 

If your numbers look tight, now is the time to secure additional hay before supplies become limited. 

 

Step 2: Check Every Bale 

Not all hay is created equal.
When evaluating square or round bales, inspect for: 

• Color: Good hay should remain green to light green. Excessively brown or faded hay may have lost valuable nutrients. 

• Smell: Quality hay has a fresh, sweet smell. 

Avoid hay that smells: Musty, Sour, Damp, Mold; These are signs moisture has entered the bale. 

• Texture: Hay should feel dry and springy—not wet or slimy. Overly dusty hay can contribute to respiratory irritation, especially in horses. 

• Watch for Mold: Never feed moldy hay. Mold spores may not always be visible but can seriously affect horses, cattle, goats, sheep, and other livestock. 

Look for: 

• White or grey fuzzy patches
• Black discoloration
• Excessive heating 
• Damp pockets within round bales
  When in doubt, don’t feed questionable hay. 

 

Step 3: Inspect Your Hay Storage Area 

Your barn protects more than your equipment—it protects your winter feed investment.
Late summer is the perfect time to inspect your storage before fall weather arrives. 

Walk through your hay storage and check for: 

• Roof leaks
• Missing shingles 
• Loose metal roofing 
• Soft spots in the ceiling 
• Wet walls 
• Broken siding 
• Cracked foundations allowing water inside 

Atlantic Canada often experiences tropical storms and hurricanes well into the fall. 

One unnoticed roof leak can ruin dozens of bales during a single heavy rain event.
Repair these issues before your barn is full for winter. 

 

Step 4: Make Airflow a Priority 

Even perfectly dry hay needs ventilation.
Without proper airflow, moisture becomes trapped, increasing the risk of: 

• Mold 
• Heating 
• Spoilage 
• Fire hazards 

For best results: 

• Leave space between stacks and walls. 
• Keep aisles open for air movement. 
• Avoid packing bales too tightly. 
• Open barn doors on dry days to improve ventilation. 
• Use fans where natural airflow is limited. 
• Round bales stored outside should never sit directly on the ground.
  Use pallets, crushed stone, or a well-drained pad to reduce moisture absorption from below. 

 

Step 5: Store Hay Off the Floor 

Ground moisture slowly moves upward into stored hay. Even concrete floors can transfer moisture over time. 

Use: 

• Wooden pallets
• Landscape timbers 
• Railroad ties 
• Hay racks 
• Keeping hay elevated improves airflow underneath while reducing spoilage. 

 

Step 6: Rotate Older Hay First 

Practice “first in, first out.”
Use older hay before newly harvested bales. This helps maintain feed quality while reducing unnecessary waste.
Mark different hay lots or harvest dates if possible, to make rotation easier throughout winter. 

 

Step 7: Plan Before Supplies Tighten 

Many Atlantic Canadian producers begin purchasing winter hay in late summer and early fall.
Waiting until the first snowfall—or after a poor second cut—can mean: 

• Higher prices 
• Limited selection 
• Longer delivery times 
• Lower-quality hay 

If your inventory appears short, don’t wait until October or November to start looking. Planning ahead gives you more options and helps avoid emergency purchases later in the season. 

 

 A Few Minutes Today Can Save You All Winter 

Hay is one of the biggest investments many farms make each year. 

Spending an afternoon inspecting your hay, repairing storage areas, and calculating your winter feed requirements can prevent unnecessary waste and help keep your animals healthy throughout the colder months. 

Whether you’re feeding two backyard goats or managing a barn full of horses, proper hay storage is one of the simplest ways to protect both your animals and your investment. 

At Feeds’n Needs, we’re here to help you prepare for the season ahead with quality livestock feeds, horse nutrition, minerals, bedding, feeders, and the supplies you need for a successful fall and winter. 

Visit your local Feeds’n Needs store and let our team help you get ready before winter arrives. 

 

 

Barnyard Bite Prevention
Flea & Tick Control for Livestock in Atlantic Canada 

Protecting Cattle, Sheep, Goats & Pigs from Seasonal Parasites 

 

When warmer weather arrives in Atlantic Canada, livestock owners know that pest season is never far behind. While flies often get most of the attention on the farm, fleas and ticks can also create problems for cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs — especially on farms with wooded pasture, tall grass, brush lines, damp bedding, or mixed animal housing. 

Flea and tick prevention for livestock is an important part of seasonal animal health. These small pests can cause skin irritation, scratching, hair loss, discomfort, reduced weight gain, and stress on your animals. Ticks may also carry disease, making regular prevention and inspection an important habit for farms across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland. 

At Feeds’n Needs, we carry livestock pest control products, barn insect sprays, fly traps, bedding, dust bath supplies, and animal health essentials to help keep your herd, flock, and barn protected through flea, tick, and fly season. 

 

Which Animals Are Most at Risk?
Every farm is different, but these animals commonly encounter ticks in Atlantic Canada: 

• Cattle grazing wooded fence lines or rough pasture 
• Goats that browse brush and shrubs 
• Sheep in long pasture or bushy paddocks 
• Outdoor pigs rooting in wooded or grassy areas
  Peak tick activity typically occurs through spring and early summer, with another increase during the fall, although ticks can remain active whenever temperatures stay mild. 

 

Signs Your Livestock May Have Fleas or Ticks
Keep an eye out for:

• Excessive scratching or rubbing 
• Hair loss or damaged coats
  
• Scabs or irritated skin 
• Visible ticks attached around the ears, neck, brisket, udder, tail, or under the legs. 
• Restlessness while grazing 
• Poor weight gain or reduced productivity in heavy infestations
  Checking animals during routine handling is one of the easiest ways to catch problems before they become severe. 

Prevention Starts in the Pasture
The best flea and tick control is best combined with good management and the right animal health products. 

Rotate Pastures: Rotational grazing helps reduce the time livestock spend in heavily infested areas while improving pasture health. 

Mow High-Traffic Areas: Keeping grass shorter around gates, waterers, laneways, and handling facilities reduces places where ticks like to wait for passing animals. 

Trim Brush Along Fence Lines: Ticks thrive in damp, shaded vegetation. Clearing back brush and overgrown edges reduces ideal habitat. 

Inspect New Animals: Before introducing new livestock into the herd or flock, give them a thorough health check to help prevent bringing unwanted parasites onto the farm. 

Integrated pest management—combining pasture management, monitoring, and appropriate treatments—is considered the most effective long-term approach for controlling livestock pests while reducing reliance on pesticides alone. 

 

Barn Tips That Make a Difference
Many parasites spend part of their life cycle away from the animal, making barn hygiene just as important as treating livestock. 

A few simple habits can help: 

• Replace wet or heavily soiled bedding regularly. 
• Remove manure frequently to discourage insect breeding. 
• Improve ventilation to reduce damp conditions. 
• Keep feed storage areas clean to discourage rodents and wildlife. 
• Seal cracks and repair damaged walls where pests can hide. 
• Clean pens thoroughly between groups of animals.
  A clean barn is one of the easiest ways to reduce parasite pressure throughout the season. 

Products Available at Feeds’n Needs
Every farm has different needs, so choosing the right product depends on the species, age, and management system. 

Visit your local Feeds’n Needs for products such as: 

• Livestock fly and tick control products 
• Pour-on insecticide treatments* 
• Premise and barn insect sprays 
• Fly traps and sticky traps 
• Livestock dust bags and applicators 
• Mineral supplements to support overall health 
• Bedding products that help keep housing clean and dry
  Our knowledgeable staff can help you choose products that are labelled for your specific livestock species and explain proper application and withdrawal requirements. 

*Always read and follow the product label before use. Use only products approved for the species you are treating and observe all meat and milk withdrawal periods where applicable. 

Don’t Forget Daily Herd Checks
During tick season, a quick visual inspection while feeding or moving livestock can save time and money later. 

Pay special attention to: 

• Around the ears 
• Under the jaw 
• Between the legs 
• Tail head 
• Udder or sheath 
• Neck and shoulders
  Removing attached ticks early and treating infestations promptly helps reduce stress on your animals and limits further spread. 

We’re Here to Help 

Whether you raise a few backyard goats or manage a commercial beef herd, preventing fleas and ticks is far easier than dealing with a heavy infestation later in the season. 

Stop by your nearest Feeds’n Needs location for advice on livestock parasite control, barn management products, and seasonal animal health supplies. Our team is here to help keep your animals healthy, comfortable, and productive all summer long.