The Texas Animal Health Commission reports that recovery for producers in East Texas has just begun after the devastating tornadoes and storms this weekend. Everyone’s thoughts are with those affected and we are reminded of the importance of planning for disasters.
Livestock can become injured, displaced or die during tornadoes and severe storm situations. Learn what you can do before, during, and after a severe storm at www.prep4agthreats.org/Assets/Factsheets/Tornadoes-and-Your-Livestock.pdf or on the Texas Animal Health Commission’s website at www.tahc.texas.gov/emergency.
AgriLife Extension would like to remind producers to keep thorough records of all losses, including livestock death losses, as well as expenses for such things as feed purchases and extraordinary costs because of lost supplies and or increased transportation costs.
It is recommended that owners and producers record all pertinent information of natural disaster consequences, including:
- Documentation of the number and kind of livestock that have died, supplemented if possible by photographs or video records of ownership and losses;
- Dates of death supported by birth recordings or purchase receipts;
- Costs of transporting livestock to safer grounds or to move animals to new pastures;
- Feed purchases if supplies or grazing pastures are destroyed;
- Crop records, including seed and fertilizer purchases, planting and production records;
- Pictures with dates of damage;
- Evidence of damaged farm or ranch land.
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension links for disaster preparedness and recovery:
Disposal of Domestic or Exotic Livestock Carcasses (PDF)
Resources for Pet, Poultry and Livestock Owners Affected by Natural Disasters (PDF)
It’s also never too early to prepare for the next disaster and make a plan for you and your operation. Click the following link to visit the AgriLife Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) disaster preparedness resources webpage.