8 Barn Cleaning Tips for Spring Cleaning Season

With the weather warming up, it’s time to shake off the winter dust and give your barn a thorough spring cleaning! Maintaining a clean and organized barn creates a safe environment for both humans and animals alike. Here are some essential spring cleaning tips to help you spruce up your barn:

Disinfect Your Barn Cleaning Equipment

Start your spring cleaning by disinfecting your barn cleaning equipment, such as brushes, buckets and grooming tools. Use a mixture of water and disinfectant to scrub away dirt, grime and bacteria. Pay special attention to areas that come into direct contact with your animals to prevent the spread of illness and maintain their health and hygiene.

Sweep the Floors

Sweeping the floors of your barn is not only a routine chore but also an opportunity to inspect for any signs of mold or rodents. Keep an eye out for damp spots or musty odors, as these could indicate the presence of mold. Be sure to also look for droppings or gnaw marks that may suggest a rodent infestation. Addressing these issues promptly will help maintain a clean and sanitary environment.

Powerwash the Stalls

Give your barn stalls a fresh start by power washing them to remove built-up dirt, urine and debris. Use a mild detergent and a high-pressure washer to thoroughly clean the walls, floors and grates. Allow the stalls to dry completely before adding fresh bedding, ensuring a comfortable and hygienic resting space for your horses.

Clean Out the Hayloft

Take the time to clean out the hayloft and remove any accumulated dust and debris. Proper ventilation is essential to prevent mold growth and maintain the quality of your hay and feed. Organize storage areas and discard any damaged or spoiled hay to make room for fresh supplies.

Remove Cobwebs

Inspect your barn for cobwebs, which can be a serious fire hazard. Use a broom or vacuum to remove cobwebs from ceilings, rafters and corners. Additionally, check electrical wiring, outlets and light fixtures for any signs of wear or damage. Addressing potential fire hazards ensures the safety of your barn and its occupants.

Check Gates and Perform Maintenance

While you’re doing your spring barn cleaning, be sure to examine all gates to ensure they are in proper working condition. Tighten loose nuts and bolts, fix or replace latches, and add a wheel for easier opening and closing. Don’t forget to oil the hinges to keep them working smoothly!

Check for Outdated Supplements or Medicines

When cleaning out the barn, be sure to review your inventory of supplements and medicines and discard any outdated or expired products. Properly dispose of expired medications according to local regulations and restock essential items. Keeping track of expiration dates ensures that your animals receive safe and effective treatments when needed.

Do an Equipment Maintenance Check

Take stock of your equipment and perform a thorough maintenance check to ensure everything is in good working order. Conducting an inspection can save time in the long run, help keep you on schedule and reduce any surprises while on the job.

By following these spring barn cleaning tips, you can rejuvenate your barn and create a clean and safe environment. Happy spring cleaning!

We’re Here to Help

Whether you’re a longtime policyholder or just starting to look for insurance options, we’re here to help. If you have questions or concerns that you want to discuss, connect with your local OKFB agent today. If you have any insurance-specific questions, we would love to help you find the coverage that best meets your homeautocommercial and life insurance needs.

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Everything You Need to Know About Farm & Ranch Insurance

Farmers and ranchers face a unique set of challenges, and protecting their livelihood throughout these challenges is important. Farm & Ranch Insurance provides a safety net against the unpredictable nature of agriculture. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the various coverage options available under Farm & Ranch Insurance. Talk to your local OKFB agent to decide which coverage is best for you. 

Farm Liability

Farm Liability coverage is designed to shield you from unforeseen events that could result in financial loss. This coverage includes protection for bodily injury or property damage for which you may be held responsible. Additionally, it is especially essential for accidents involving visitors, customers or delivery personnel on your farm. As accidents are inherent in any operation, having liability coverage is crucial to ensuring your financial well-being.

Farm Auto and Farm-Use Tractor And Trailer

If you have truck-tractors or other vehicles specifically for your farm or ranch, your regular auto insurance may not cover them. That’s where Farm Auto comes in! This coverage extends protection to the vehicles that keep your farm in motion. It covers trucks, tractors and other vehicles used for farming operations, providing protection against accidents, collisions and damages that may occur during agricultural activities. With Farm Auto insurance, your agricultural fleet can also remain protected in the face of unexpected setbacks.

Farm Implement 

This coverage safeguards specialized equipment and machinery critical to your operations. It’s essential for protecting your farm’s harvester, planter or tractor. By insuring your tools, you are ensuring the continued success of your day-to-day operations. Also, Farm Implement can include coverage for physical damage and liability to ensure your farm is secured. 

4-H and FFA Insurance

Specifically designed for ranchers involved in 4-H and FFA activities, this coverage protects assets and activities related to these organizations. It provides a comprehensive safety net for your young rancher pursuing their passions. Supporting the next generation is integral to the sustainability of agriculture.

Crop Insurance

Crop Insurance offers financial protection against the loss of crops due to adverse weather, pests, disease or other covered perils. This coverage mitigates the risks associated with the uncertainties of agriculture. With Crop Insurance, you can cultivate with confidence, knowing that your investment is protected against the unpredictable forces of nature.

 

Farm & Ranch Insurance is a vital tool in securing the future of your farm or ranch. By understanding the coverage options available and tailoring them to your specific needs, you can navigate the uncertainties of farming and ranching with confidence.

We’re Here to Help

Whether you’re a longtime policyholder or just starting to look for insurance options, we’re here to help. If you have questions or concerns that you want to discuss, connect with your local OKFB agent today. If you have any insurance-specific questions, we would love to help you find the coverage that best meets your homeautocommercial and life insurance needs.

Don’t forget to follow us on social! This kind of information and more is just a click away. You can find us on FacebookInstagram and LinkedIn.

5 Tips to Keep Your Pets Safe During Winter

As winter sets in, it’s important to ensure the safety and well-being of your pets and animals. The cold weather can pose various risks to animals, so it’s important to be aware of how much time they’re spending in the cold. To help keep your pets safe during winter, we’ve compiled a list of five tips! 

Know your pet’s limits

Just like humans, pets have varying tolerance levels to cold weather. Make sure you’re aware of your pet’s reactions to the chilly temperatures and adjust accordingly. Some pets, such as those with short fur or certain health conditions, may be more sensitive to the cold. Monitor your pet’s behavior and if you notice signs of discomfort like whining, shivering, or a reluctance to move, it’s time to bring them indoors.

Protect their paws

Winter streets and sidewalks are often treated with salt and other chemicals to melt snow and ice. While these substances are effective in preventing slips, they can be harsh on your pet’s paws. Consider using pet-friendly ice melt on your own property and wipe your pet’s paws after walks to remove any residue. Additionally, you might want to invest in pet booties to provide extra protection against the cold and chemicals.

Watch for hypothermia

Hypothermia is a real danger for pets during winter. If your pet is exhibiting signs, such as whining, shivering, appearing anxious, moving slower than usual, or actively seeking warm places to burrow, it’s crucial to act promptly. Bring your pet inside immediately and provide a warm, comfortable environment. Consult your veterinarian for further guidance.

Check your vehicle

Cats seeking warmth may crawl under cars or hide in the wheel wells, putting them at risk when the engine starts. To avoid accidents, make a habit of checking around and under your vehicle before starting it. A quick tap on the hood or a honk of the horn can alert any hidden pets to move to safety.

Bring your pets inside

One of the simplest and most effective ways to ensure your pets’ safety during the winter is to bring them inside. While some animals are better suited to colder temperatures, domesticated pets, in general, are not equipped to endure extreme cold. Create a cozy space for them indoors, complete with blankets, to keep them warm and comfortable.

By being proactive and implementing these pet safety tips during winter, you can ensure that your pets stay happy, healthy, and safe during the colder months. Remember to pay attention to your pet’s behavior, bring them inside when temperatures drop, and take precautions to protect their paws. With a little extra care, you and your pets can enjoy a cozy and worry-free winter season.

We’re Here to Help

If you have any insurance-specific questions, we would love to help you find the coverage that best meets your homeautocommercial and life insurance needs.

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Maximize Your Return with the Right Type of Crop Insurance

If disaster strikes, are your crops protected from unexpected losses?

We provide a wide range of crop insurance policies that protect Oklahoma’s farmers and ranchers from unforeseen events like bad weather, pests, disease and more. These policies also offer protection against decreased crop yields due to factors beyond your control.

Ready to learn more? In this blog, we’ll spotlight a few types of crop insurance available to you through OKFB. With a better understanding of how these policies work, you can have peace of mind knowing that you’re protected against the unexpected.

Yield Protection (YP)

This policy insures producers against yield losses due to natural causes such as drought, excessive moisture, hail, wind, frost, insects and disease. With this policy, you select the amount of average yield you wish to insure, from 50 to 75 percent (85 percent in some areas). If the harvested plus appraised production is less than the yield insured, you’ll be paid an indemnity based on the difference. Check out this brochure to learn more.

Please check with your agent to see if these crops or any additional crops are available in your state and county.

Revenue Protection (RP)

These policies protect you in a similar way as APH policies. However, with this coverage option, a projected price is used to determine coverage. This protects against loss of revenue due to a production loss, price decline or increase, or a combination of both. RP policies are a good way to reduce financial stress and recoup losses due to unexpected weather conditions.

The following crops are eligible for RP coverage. Check with your local OKFB agent to see if RP coverage for these crops is available in your county.

  • Barley
  • Canola
  • Corn
  • Cotton
  • Dry Beans
  • Dry Peas
  • Grain Sorghum
  • Peanuts
  • Popcorn
  • Rice
  • Soybeans
  • Sunflowers
  • Wheat

Livestock Risk Protection (LRP)

Did you know that Crop Insurance can insure your livestock too? LRP was designed to provide protection on fed cattle, feeder cattle and swine against a price decline. This type of policy offers protection against market volatility and gives you the freedom to focus on your business without worrying about potential risks.

Dairy Revenue Protection (Dairy RP)

Dairy RP insures against unexpected declines in the quarterly revenue from milk sales. OKFB designed this plan to protect the revenue you receive from milk production, and it’s flexible to fit the needs of your specific dairy operation. With a reliable financial safety net in place, farmers can focus on producing quality milk without worrying about market volatility.

Crop Hail Insurance

Crop Hail Insurance covers losses directly resulting from hail, fire, lightning, vandalism/malicious mischief, damage during transit, and in some cases, wind. This coverage option, however, does not cover some types of damage, so be sure to discuss this option with your OKFB agent to find the solution that’s right for you.

This is just a preview of the wide range of insurance policies OKFB offers to protect your crops, livestock and production. Finding the right policy and determining the right level of insurance coverage you need doesn’t have to be confusing. An OKFB agent can help you understand how much coverage will be right for your business, providing peace of mind no matter what the future may bring.

We’re Here to Help

Whether you’re a long-time policyholder or just starting to look for insurance options, we have team members who can help. If you have questions or concerns that you want to discuss, connect with your local OKFB agent today. If you have any insurance-specific questions, we would love to help you find the coverage that best meets your homeautocommercial and life insurance needs.

Don’t forget to follow us on social! This kind of information and more is just a click away. You can find us on FacebookInstagram and LinkedIn.