With the subzero temperatures and driving winds common in the Great Plains, a barn is the first line of defense to keep your animals safe, warm and dry. As the mornings get cooler and the days become shorter, now is the time to give your barn a full checkup to ensure it’s ready for the winter ahead.

If your barn was well-used so far this year, cleaning up any messes can be a daunting task. South Dakota State University shares tips to get your barn ready for the cold.

First, clear out any material that could pose a fire risk, such as old bird nests, cobwebs, dust and debris. And before the temperatures get too low, take stock of the outside of your barn. Look for any debris piles or items from the summer that may be in the way of clearing snow from paths. Also, remove any branches that may break under the weight of snow.

Check for repairs

It never fails that if something could break, it will at a less-than-ideal time. Check roofs and rafters, including any loose tin or cracked beams needing repair. Don’t forget about the outside of the roof, and ensure any roof vents that aren’t needed for ventilation are closed.

Make sure barn doors, windows and other openings close properly. Grease sticky hinges, and ensure door jams seal evenly. If they haven’t been used in while, overhead garage doors should be checked to avoid fixing them in the bitter cold.

Repair work can be especially miserable in winter. Test and service generators, and make sure to have enough fuel to run them. Winterize and service any farm equipment such as skid steers, payloaders, tractors, snowblowers, feed wagons and manure pumps. Check antifreeze levels, batteries and fuel filters.

Animal comfort

Animals need proper ventilation to prevent respiratory problems, but drafts can create chills, especially in newborn livestock. Check that air filters and fans are working properly to aid in ventilation.

Water is the most important thing to maintain healthy animals, so check that waterers are functional. Small leaks in the summer can lead to a field of ice in the winter. Make sure heating elements on waterers are working correctly.

For any heaters used in barns, ensure they’re used as directed at all times. Keep heaters far away from any flammable items.

Clear the clutter

Take stock of tools and equipment you house in the barn. Remove any broken or unusable items to keep space clear come winter. Make note of which items need to be replaced, and decide if that can be done in the spring or if a replacement is needed sooner.

Barn offices (if you have one) can often be a catch-all area. Look around to see what can be cleared out, organized or removed to keep offices efficient. Make sure any power strips are being used as directed to minimize any chances of electrical fires.

Stock up, just in case

Aside from storing the necessary hay correctly, make sure the hay loft is stable and safe. SDSU recommends a two-week supply of frequently used veterinary supplies. In case of harsh winter weather, having everything you need will bring peace of mind.

Grain, feed and bedding that can be stored should also be stocked up for winter. Take care that you don’t have too much ready where items could spoil or become contaminated by rodents.

Make sure you have enough fuel on hand for any vital machinery used to feed cattle or blow snow.

Each barn’s winterizing to-do list looks different, but take these tips as a starting point to keep livestock and workers warm and comfortable for the winter ahead.