Autumn can bring changing weather, shorter daylight hours, muddier conditions and new demands for livestock management. Taking some time now to check equipment, repair fencing, prepare housing and restock everyday essentials can make the transition into the new season much smoother.
At Watermans Country Supplies, you can find a wide range of farming supplies, livestock equipment, electric fencing, workwear and other country essentials to help keep your farm prepared throughout autumn.
Fencing can take plenty of punishment throughout the year, so September is a useful opportunity to walk your boundaries and deal with any problems before autumn weather sets in.
Look out for damaged posts, loose wire, sagging tape, worn connectors and areas where vegetation is beginning to interfere with electric fencing.
If you use electric fencing for livestock or rotational grazing, check that your energiser is operating correctly and inspect your posts, insulators, tape, wire and connections.
Watermans stocks a wide selection of electric fencing equipment, including electric fence energisers, posts, insulators and wire, tape and cables.
Making small repairs now can help prevent more inconvenient fencing problems once conditions become wetter and windier.
As temperatures begin to fall, some livestock may gradually start spending more time indoors.
Before housing is needed regularly, inspect sheds, barns, stables and other livestock areas. Check doors, gates, flooring, drainage and ventilation, and repair anything that has become damaged over summer.
This is also a good opportunity to give housing areas a thorough clean before animals begin using them more frequently.
Remove old bedding and debris, clean floors and equipment and make sure feeding and watering areas are in good condition. See our full range of cleaning supplies here.
Keeping livestock housing clean can support a better overall farm hygiene routine, particularly during the months when animals may spend longer periods indoors.
September is also a useful time for a wider farm clean-up.
Yards, livestock buildings, feeding areas and equipment can all benefit from regular cleaning before wet weather makes everyday jobs more difficult.
Depending on the area being cleaned, you may need heavy-duty cleaners, degreasers, brushes, brooms, scrapers, squeegees or agricultural disinfectants.
Watermans' farm supplies range includes products for cleaning livestock areas, yards, agricultural equipment and other working environments.
If you are reviewing your cleaning kit for the season ahead, you can also read our guide to the Best Cleaning Supplies for Farms, Stables and Yards for more advice on building a practical farm cleaning setup.
Feeding requirements can begin to change as grazing conditions alter through autumn, making this a sensible time to inspect the equipment you use every day.
Check buckets, troughs, feeders and drinkers for damage and make sure they can be cleaned easily.
Any cracked or damaged equipment is often easier to replace now rather than discovering a problem when animals are housed or supplementary feeding becomes more important.
Clean drinking water should remain readily available throughout the year, so check water containers, drinkers and pipework for leaks or other potential problems too.
Autumn preparation is also a good opportunity to review the everyday livestock products you already have in the shed.
Rather than waiting until something runs out, check supplies of frequently used items and replace anything that is running low, damaged or out of date.
Depending on the animals you keep, this could include:
Here at Watermans Country Supplies, we stock a broad range of livestock products for cattle, sheep, poultry and other animals, helping you keep frequently used supplies close to hand as the seasons change.
Autumn rain can quickly transform gateways, yards and frequently used paths into muddy areas.
Before conditions deteriorate, look at the parts of the farm that traditionally become difficult during prolonged wet weather.
Improving drainage where practical, repairing damaged gateways and moving equipment before the ground becomes saturated can make everyday routines easier later in the season.
It is also worth keeping frequently used tools somewhere accessible so that clearing yards, bedding livestock and carrying out everyday maintenance does not become unnecessarily difficult.
Summer can be a particularly busy period for agricultural equipment, so autumn is a good point to inspect tools and replace anything that has become worn or damaged.
Check frequently used hand tools, buckets, brushes, forks, shovels, ropes and other equipment.
Cleaning tools before storing them can also help keep them in better condition between uses.
Taking stock now means you are less likely to discover a damaged or missing piece of equipment when you need it on a wet November morning.
Preparing the farm is important, but preparing yourself for autumn weather matters too.
The transition from September into October can bring everything from mild sunshine to heavy rain, cold mornings and strong winds.
Layering is often the easiest way to adapt throughout the day. Waterproof trousers, coats and jumpers can provide warmth without immediately reaching for heavy winter clothing, while waterproof outer layers can help keep sudden showers from interrupting work.
A sturdy pair of wellingtons or waterproof boots is also invaluable once fields and yards become wetter.
We are proud to stock a wide selection of country clothing, workwear and footwear suitable for everyday farm and countryside use.
Seasonal changes can introduce new hazards around the farm.
Wet surfaces may become slippery, reduced daylight can make hazards more difficult to see and livestock routines may change as animals begin moving between fields and housing.
Keeping appropriate PPE and first aid supplies available can help make everyday autumn tasks safer and more manageable.
It is also worth clearing clutter from busy walkways, checking gates and latches and making sure frequently used areas remain easy to access.
A little preparation in September can make a noticeable difference once colder and wetter weather arrives.
Checking fencing, preparing livestock housing, cleaning yards, reviewing animal care supplies and making sure your workwear is ready can help prevent smaller jobs becoming bigger problems later in the season.
Whether you need livestock equipment, electric fencing, cleaning products, farm PPE, tools or country clothing, Watermans Country Supplies has a broad range of agricultural and country essentials to help you prepare for the months ahead.
Start getting your farm autumn-ready today and make sure you have the supplies you need before the weather begins to change.
