Thanksgiving is coming up quick! If you have a barn or farm, you may have some extra tasks to handle at this time of year. With both winter weather and the holiday season just around the corner, there’s definitely plenty of preparations to make. A Wichita, KS veterinarian offers some advice for having Thanksgiving on the farm in this article.

Stock Up

Inflation and fuel costs are driving prices through the roof, and that doesn’t seem to be changing anytime soon. Stock up as much as you can on feed and bedding.

Have Veterinary Checks

Farriers and veterinarians also get busy at this time of year. Schedule necessary appointments, such as farrier visits, dental, and veterinary care, well ahead of time.

Consider Hiring Extra Hands

If you want to take time off around the holidays, it may be a good idea to look into getting some temporary extra help. (Tip: a student from a veterinary or agricultural college may be a great fit.)

Water

As temperatures start to dip, many farmers will find themselves dealing with frozen buckets. There are modern tools that can help keep water from freezing, such as insulated buckets. Want to go old school? Use a spaghetti spoon to get ice chunks out of buckets.

Plan In Advance

This probably goes without saying, but there really is no such thing as a day off for farmers. Holiday or no, animals still need to get fed and basic chores completed. That said, you may find that doing some manual work on a holiday can actually be very peaceful and centering. Set up as much as you can the night before, so you can enjoy a short day.

Offer Special Treats

Our animal companions are definitely something to be grateful for. Let your furry, wooly, or feathered buddies enjoy a special treat. Don’t forget about your barn cats!

Give Back To The Community

Thanksgiving is really about being grateful. Farmers are integral to our society: after all, without farms, we wouldn’t have food! Take time to be grateful for what you have. That said, it’s also important to help others. Consider doing charity dinner boxes. That may mean donating meat or veggies, buying your Thanksgiving Day food from other small farms, or even hosting events.

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us here at your Wichita, KS animal clinic. Please reach out to us anytime!