With several incidents of barns collapsing this winter due to heavy snow overload ñ including one incident outside Didsbury that killed a dozen cows ñ farmers and ranchers are being reminded of the dangers.
And according to the Alberta Farm Animal Care Association (AFACA), recent warm weather may not be reducing the risk.
Speaking to the issue on behalf of the AFACA, Brad Andres, manager of the emergency program at Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, says clearing barn roofs of snow overload is the best way to avoid potential collapse trouble.
"When temperatures rise into the plus degrees the snow melts but becomes really dense and very heavy,î said Andres. "The key thing is to keep an eye on the amount of snow that is sitting on top of the roofs, especially if we've had a melt and some rain.
"That adds moisture to the content -- it builds up weight very quickly. If you're starting to see abnormal levels of snow and you know there's a lot of ice, you should get it off the roof in a safe manner.î
The AFACA says all livestock being housed indoors could be at risk.
Farmers and ranchers who may have concerns with the structural integrity of their barns may want to contact a structural engineer for a consultation, he said.
The AFACA works with livestock producers to advance and promote responsible livestock care, officials say.
