The Prairie Winter Prep Checklist for Your Small Acreage

On the Prairies, winter doesn't ease in - it arrives. The animals that come through it best belong to the people who prepped in the fall. Here are the jobs worth doing before the cold sets in.

Water

• Set up a heated waterer, or drop a de-icer into the tank you use.
• Site water out of the wind; insulate tanks; get buckets off the ground.
• Outdoor-rated cords on a GFCI; keep a spare bucket in the shop.

Shelter and windbreak

• Check shelters for drafts at animal height; keep ventilation up high.
• Top up bedding; confirm windbreaks are up before the first blow.

Feed and condition

• Line up extra feed now, before prices tighten.
• Keep feed clean and dry with proper feeders.
• Go into winter with stock in good condition.

Hooves and health

• Do a fall hoof trim - keep your hoof care kit handy.
• Catch up on deworming, vaccinations and dentals while handling is easy.

Fencing and access

• Fix sags and weak posts before the ground freezes - stock up on fencing.
• Plan snow access to water, feed and shelter.

The bottom line

A good Prairie winter is built in October, not survived in January. Work down this checklist while the ground is still soft.

- The Vastura crew