Climate resilience on-farm action planner (cereals): Storms and wind

Here are some of the impacts of more intense storms and wind and the actions you can take using our Climate resilience on-farm action planner for cereals and oilseeds.

Storms could see a change in frequency and intensity. The unique combination of increased wind speeds, increased rainfall and lightning during these events provides the potential for more extreme storm impacts.

• Keep the site tidy and secure any equipment or objects that could blow around
• Provide reinforcement if necessary to maintain building integrity
• Review the design of vulnerable structures and buildings, reviewing wind loading calculations

• Ensure well-maintained emergency back-up power and contingency

• Maintain soil heath for good establishment and rooting
• Choose varieties with low lodging risk, review seed rates, nutrition and/or consider use of a appropriate regulator

• If planting is delayed, leave seedbeds in a wet or cloddy state, or with ridges perpendicular to the prevailing wind direction
• Grow rows of trees or hedges to provide protection for soil and grow crops on the sheltered side
• Use cover crops to minimise the presence of bare soil
• Add organic materials regularly to improve soil structure