During a storm, dairy farmers move cows to shelter or drier paddocks and keep a close eye on their wellbeing.

When storms roll in, dairy farmers across Australia act quickly to protect their cows from the elements. Weather alerts like the Bureau of Meteorology Sheep Graziers and severe weather warnings alert farmers to cold, windy and extreme weather events. 

Depending on the farm setup, cows may be moved into covered sheds or sheltered yards to stay dry and safe from wind and lightning. In pasture-based systems, the most common in Australia, farmers rotate cows to higher, better-drained paddocks that are protected from wind and rain with thick treelines called ‘shelter belts’. The goal is to keep cows comfortable and prevent issues like hoof problems from muddy conditions or stress from sudden weather changes. 

When floods or fires are predicted, farmers will often bring their cattle into the milking yards which offer the best protection in these circumstances.

In more intensive systems like managed open yards, loose housing or freestalls, cows are already sheltered with soft bedding and controlled environments. These setups allow farmers to monitor cows closely.

No matter the system, farmers adapt to their local climate and geography and always prioritise the wellbeing of their herd — because whether it’s sunshine or storm, looking after cows comes first!