What is the rhythm of December?
Most farms settle into daily chores, with feeding, water and checks on animals as the main work. Because daylight is limited, plan tasks around it and use lights safely. Conditions vary by region, from mild and wet to deep freeze, so adjust to your local weather.
A reliable routine reduces mistakes. Doing chores in the same order each day makes it easier to notice what is different.
If a chore takes much longer in the cold, adjust your expectations instead of rushing. Haste on ice causes falls.
How do you keep water from freezing?
Water is the main winter challenge. Animals that cannot drink may eat less and become ill. Check tanks and buckets at least twice daily in freezing weather, and break ice or refill as needed. Keep a thermos of warm water or a spare bucket nearby, so you can thaw a frozen valve or refill a trough without a long walk back to the house in the cold.
If you use heated waterers or tank heaters, have wiring checked by a qualified electrician, use cords rated for outdoor use and keep cords away from animals that chew. Electrical faults can cause fires and shock.
- Check water at least twice a day
- Use outdoor-rated, protected cords
- Have heaters installed safely
- Keep a backup plan if power fails
What do animals need in cold weather?
Needs depend on species, age, coat, body condition and wind. Shelter from wind and wet is usually more important than extra heat. Dry bedding insulates, and clean, dry footing helps prevent problems.
Ask your veterinarian how to recognize cold stress in your animals, how to adjust feed, and when to call. Do not rely on one-size-fits-all rules.
Offer good-quality forage, and ask about supplemental feed. Your veterinarian can tell you what suits your animals and your area.
How do you stay safe in winter weather?
Cold can cause frostbite and hypothermia. Wear layers, cover skin, keep clothes dry and come in when you feel numb or confused. The CDC explains winter weather health risks, and your local health department can answer questions.
Roads may become dangerous. Keep your fuel tank filled, share your route with someone and carry blankets and water. The National Weather Service posts warnings, and Ready.gov explains winter storm preparation. Slow down, leave extra following distance, and turn back if conditions look worse than you expected.
- Dress in layers and protect extremities
- Come in when you feel numb or confused
- Check forecasts before driving
- Keep a vehicle emergency kit
What if the power goes out?
Rural outages can last. Know how you will heat the house safely, keep food and water, and care for animals. Never use outdoor equipment like grills or camp stoves for indoor heat, since carbon monoxide can kill. Install carbon monoxide alarms.
Report outages to your utility, and check on neighbors, especially older people living alone.
Keep a battery or hand-crank radio, and know where the nearest warming shelter or community center is if your home cannot be kept warm.
How can you use December well?
Use the quieter days to plan. Review last year's records, look at seed catalogs, repair tools and sharpen blades. If you are thinking about changes such as new animals, land or income, talk with extension, your local FSA or NRCS office, or a licensed professional before spending money.
Rest matters too. Winter is the one season when the farm allows it, so accept it.
How should you plan for emergencies on the farm in winter?
Keep a list of emergency contacts and your farm address by the phone. Make sure everyone in the house knows how to shut off power, water and fuel. If you rely on wood heat, keep an extra supply of dry wood.
Think through animal emergencies as well. Where would you move animals if a building failed, and how would you reach your veterinarian during a storm? Talking this through in advance saves precious minutes.
Check Ready.gov for planning checklists, and ask your county emergency management office about local alert systems you can sign up for.
- Post contacts and farm address
- Know how to shut off power, water and fuel
- Plan where animals go if a building fails
- Sign up for local alerts
Key takeaways
- December is routine: steady chores, safe lights and a reliable order.
- Check water at least twice a day and use heaters and cords safely.
- Shelter from wind and wet, and ask your vet about cold stress.
- Learn the signs of frostbite and hypothermia, and keep vehicles prepared.
- Plan for outages with carbon monoxide safety, and use quiet days to plan with professionals.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Rural Farm Life Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.