Farmers warned to ‘take extra care’ following Met Office weather warnings
6th January 2026
As an Arctic airmass continues to cover the UK, bringing cold conditions with snow, sleet and hail showers, farmers have been warned to protect themselves, their livestock and their machinery during these challenging conditions.
While a number of severe weather warnings expired through Monday, numerous warnings remain in place for Tuesday. The whole of Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England remain under yellow warnings for snow and ice, and an amber warning is in place for snow in central Scotland.
Further warnings cover the east of England and west of Wales as well as Devon and Cornwall. UKHSA amber cold weather health alerts for all regions of England are in place until Friday 9th January, the Met Office confirmed.
NFU Mutual has shared safety advice for farmers during the cold spell. Farmers have been asked to ensure there is safe and clear access for livestock to be able to get to water and feed.
They should move livestock if needed during wetter weather – especially when ice or snow thaws – to avoid any risks.
Farmers should also make sure that their farm vehicles and machinery is in good working order and carry out winter checks.
Checking brakes, tyre tread, lights and washer jets is essential. This will also help at this time of the year with the low sun, which can be visibility difficult for drivers.
Farmers should give themselves extra time for jobs and any journeys they need to undertake. They need to wear the correct safety gear, particularly helmets on quad bikes, boots with sufficient tread and appropriate hi-vis.
Spreading salt or grit on walkways and paths is also extremely important to reduce the risk of slips and falls.
‘Take extra care’
Stephanie Berkeley, manager at Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies), said: “The recent cold snap has seen icy conditions on roads and farmyards across the country. Farming can be tough in these challenging conditions, and I would urge farmers to take extra care.
“Make sure you carry out winter checks on all vehicles and machinery, and give yourself extra time for jobs and journeys you need to undertake. Wearing the correct safety gear is vital, particularly helmets on quad bikes, boots with sufficient tread and appropriate hi-vis gear.
“Walkways and paths can become difficult in these conditions, so it is important to spread salt or grit on any paths to try and negate any slips or falls.”
Met Office chief meteorologist Matthew Lehnert confirmed that the UK will continue to experience a range of winter weather hazards through this week, with low temperatures as well as snow showers and the risk of ice for many.
“A number of severe weather warnings have been issued, and these are likely to be updated through the week, so do keep up to date with the forecast,” he concluded.
Read more farm safety news.
