Important Recovery tips from the University
of Minnesota Extension Service
Farm Recovery from Disaster Cards:
- Carcass must be disposed of as soon as
reasonably possible.
- Bury a carcass 5 feet above the high water level
and cover with 3 feet of dirst. Avoid Sandy or
gravelly areas, or areas within 10 feet of bedrock.
- Incineration must be in an incinerator that is
approved by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
- Hauling: Carcasses or animal parts must be in
vehicles or containers that are leakproof and covered.
- Follow Manufacturer instructions. If you are not clear
on instructions, wait for clarification before using.
- Know whether your generator is for indoor or outdoor
use. Never use an outdoor generator indoors.
- Indoor generators still require a proper, approved
venilation system, or the combusion fumes can be deadly.
- Call your power company to make sure you have the
proper voltage, frequency, and safety switches. If this isn't right,
you could electrocute yourself or someone else down the line.
- Wiring and equipment must be installed in accordance
with the National Elecrical Code, local ordinances and the
requirements of your power supplier.
- Make sure the unit is clean and in good running order.
Dust and dirt accumulations on the motor can cause it to
overheat when operated.
See University of Minnesota Disaster Recovery Cards titled, "Portable Heaters/Electricity Generators."
- Dressed and well-protected, carefully clear
debris from fields before planting.
- Glass and metal shards can cause flat tires
and damage machinery.
- If grazing cattle swallow storm debris, such as
nails, wire, fence staples, or other metal, the animal
might die.
- Putting magnets into the stomachs of cattle is
the best way to protect them from "hardware disease."
- Stomach magnets can be administered with a
balling gun, such as is used for pills. Get the magnets
from your veterinarian or animal health products suppliers.
- If you have a feed mill, grinder-mixer, TMR
mixer, or forage harvester equipped with a magnet, make
sure the magnet is in place and working properly.
See University of Minnesota Disaster Recovery Cards titled, "Wind-Damaged Structures."
With clean up and repairs taking top priority, how long
can farmers hold off spring planting? As with most things
in farming, a lot depends of the weather. Wheat and
barley are both cool season grasses. Delayed planting could
pose a problem if temperatures increase normally as the
season progresses. Below-normal temperatures give these fields
a better chance of succeeding.
Higher average temperatures and less growing time
results in fewer tillers, smaller heads, and fewer and
smaller kernels per head, which can cut into yields.
To compensate for this expected loss, you can increase your seeding
rate by 1% for every day after the optimum time frame.
This gives you more main stems per unit area.
