Authorities urge livestock farmers to prepare for winter weather

The Decentralised Administration of Macedonia and Thrace has called on all 60 municipalities under its jurisdiction to inform livestock farmers about preventive measures ahead of the winter season, urging them to secure sufficient animal feed, water and essential supplies to protect their livestock against extreme weather conditions.

In a circular issued by its Civil Protection Directorate, the administration called on municipal Civil Protection departments and presidents of municipal communities to ensure that livestock farmers receive timely information and take the necessary precautions against potential emergencies, including floods, heavy snowfall and frost.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES FOR LIVESTOCK FARMERS

The authorities have outlined four key measures that livestock farmers should take before the onset of severe winter weather:

Secure sufficient animal feed: Farmers should purchase adequate quantities of feed in advance and ensure its safe storage and preservation throughout the winter.

Ensure access to clean water: Adequate supplies of clean drinking water must be maintained to meet livestock needs throughout the season.

Protect livestock from extreme weather: Appropriate preventive measures should be taken to safeguard animals against frost, snowfall, heavy rainfall and low temperatures.

Plan transport and supplies in advance: Farmers should organise deliveries, procurement and other essential operations ahead of time to avoid access and supply disruptions during severe weather.

AUTHORITIES STRESS IMPORTANCE OF PREPARATION

Dimitris Galamatis, Secretary of the Decentralised Administration of Macedonia and Thrace, stressed that early preparation is essential to protecting livestock and agricultural production, particularly as extreme weather events become more intense amid the climate crisis.

He said the administration had contacted the relevant municipal authorities across Central and Eastern Macedonia and Thrace to ensure that farmers are informed in good time and prepared to respond to emergency situations.

Galamatis also highlighted the importance of cooperation between municipal Civil Protection services and local government representatives, particularly the presidents of municipal communities, in ensuring that the guidance reaches every livestock farmer and agricultural facility across the region.

The initiative aims to strengthen preparedness across the livestock sector and minimise the impact of severe winter weather on animal welfare and primary production.