Snow Removal on Farms

What should I plan before the first snow?

Decide which routes matter most: the path to the animals, the driveway for emergency vehicles and feed deliveries, and access to water and utilities. Clear and mark them each fall, and set stakes along edges so you can find them under snow.

Prepare equipment before you need it and make sure it starts. Stock salt or traction material suitable for animals and plants, shovels and fuel stored safely. Ask your road department about plowing and any rules for placing snow.

If you use a contractor for plowing, agree in advance on priorities, timing and pricing categories, and give clear instructions about where snow can go.

• Rank the routes that matter most
• Mark edges with tall stakes
• Test equipment before the first storm
• Keep fuel and traction material stored safely

How do I clear snow safely by hand?

Shoveling is hard on the heart and back. Take breaks, push instead of lifting when you can, lift with your legs and avoid twisting. Dress in layers and watch for signs of overexertion. If you have health concerns, talk to your doctor about snow work.

Wear boots with grip and watch for ice under snow. Clear in stages during long storms rather than waiting for the end, since lighter snow is easier to move.

Warm up before heavy work and stop if you feel chest pain, dizziness or unusual shortness of breath. Seek medical help right away in that case.

How do I use plows and tractors safely?

Follow the owner's manual and learn the machine's limits before the storm. Use seat belts and rollover protection where equipped, keep guards in place and never let riders on the machine. Slopes and ice raise tipping risk, so go slowly.

Never work on a machine while it runs, and clear snow from lights and mirrors. Watch for hidden hazards such as fence posts, stumps, culverts and drop-offs. OSHA and extension offices publish tractor safety guidance.

• Use seat belts and rollover protection
• Avoid slopes and ice where possible
• Mark hazards before the snow falls
• Never carry passengers

How do I protect roofs and buildings?

Heavy snow can overload roofs, especially on older barns, sheds and hoop structures. Know your buildings, watch for sagging, creaking or new cracks, and keep people and animals out of any structure that looks stressed.

Do not climb onto roofs to shovel without proper training and equipment, since falls are a serious danger. Hire qualified professionals for roof snow removal and structural concerns.

Watch for ice dams and sliding snow, which can drop from roofs without warning onto doors and paths, and keep entrances clear of overhead hazards.

• Watch for sagging and cracking
• Keep animals out of stressed buildings
• Hire pros for roof work

How do I keep animals fed and watered?

Plan to reach animals every day. Store enough feed and bedding that you are not dependent on delivery, and keep water from freezing. Check animals for cold stress, and ask your veterinarian what to watch for in your species.

Keep paths wide enough for feed carts and gates clear of drifts. Poultry coops and shelters need ventilation even when snow is deep, so keep vents open and clear.

Check on elderly or ill neighbors and animals nearby if you can do so safely, and keep a plan for delivering feed on foot if vehicles cannot get through.

• Store feed and bedding ahead
• Keep water from freezing
• Clear paths to every shelter

What about ice, salt and the environment?

Ice is a hazard for people and animals. Use sand or other traction materials where appropriate, and be cautious about salt near animals, plants and water, since it can harm them. Read labels and ask your extension office for options.

Pile snow where meltwater will not flow into animal areas, wells or buildings. Keep snow piles away from fences, which they can crush.

Leave drainage ditches and culverts clear where possible, so meltwater has somewhere to go when the thaw arrives.

• Use traction material with care
• Keep salt away from animals and plants
• Pile snow away from fences and wells

How should I prepare for long storms and outages?

Keep emergency supplies, including food, water, warm clothing, flashlights and a battery radio. Use generators outdoors only and far from windows to avoid carbon monoxide, and never use cooking appliances for heat indoors.

Tell someone your plan during big storms and check on neighbors if it is safe. Ready.gov and your county emergency management office offer winter storm guidance.

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Homestead & Small Farm Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.