The Rural Voice, 1981-02, Page 27ADVICE ON FARMING
Simple solutions
to snow problems
Snow -drifts are not only an in-
convenience to country dwellers but they
can also mean days of isolation and
damage to their farm buildings. Careful
planning, however, can prevent snow
management problems.
"The main snow problems in rural
Ontario are blocked lanes, failure of farm
roofs, snow in open -front buildings. and
drifting snow in farmstead yards," says
Professor Frank Theakston, University of
Guelph engineer.
At the University of Guelph, en-
gineering research funded by the Ontario
Ministry of Agriculture and Food uses
water to find the solutions to the many
snow management programs.
"We place a model of the farmstead in
a tank and allow watdr to flow over it to
simulate wind. We then add silica sand to
simulate snow," explains Theakston. By
rotating the model, engineers can predict
the effects of snow and wind from any
direction, and provide solutions.
The easiest way to control snow is to
prevent it from getting near the buildings
and lanes. For example, roof ridges of
buildings should be in line with pre-
vailing winds. In Ontario, most prevailing
winds come from the northwest or west.
Near the Great Lakes, prevailing winds
come from the south or southwest.
"You can correct problems around
existing buildings using simple, in-
expensive devices such as snow fences,"
says Theakston. "For maximum ef-
fectiveness, locate fences at (east 10.6
metres (35 feet) away from the building
or lane, on the side of the prevailing
winds. In snowbelt areas, place two
parallel lines of snow fences about 10.6 m
(35 ft.) apart."
Trees provide the same protection as
snow fences if they are located properly.
Plant coniferous trees with trunks 1.2 m
(4 ft.) apart and 10.6 m (35 ft.) back from
the windward side of the lane, for
adequate and aesthetic protection. For
extra protection, plant two rows of trees,
alternately spaced.
"A row of trees on the leeward side of
the land doesn't help snow control and
may contribute to drifting," says
Theakston. "The leeward row should be
planted 10.6 m (35 ft.) back from the land
to prevent the snow from trapping
between the tree rows."
Prevent snow from blocking lanes by
using trees or fences, and by regular
plowing. Pile snow on the leeward side of
the farmstead to prevent further drifting.
Open -front buildings are often
constructed with the front facing south,
southwest or southeast. Prevailing winds
come over the back of the building
causing a suction problem. Snow and
drafts are drawn into the front opening
causing extra work for the farmer and
discomfort for the animals.
"Swirl chambers, located on the wind-
ward side of the building, are a solution
to the open -front problem," says
Theakston. "This fence, 4.8 m by 4.8 m
(16 ft. x 16 ft.). will cause turbulence
and effectively break the wind's energy;
the snow then drops in the swirl
chambers rather than inside the building
or exercise yard."
Farmers who need advice on difficult
snow management problems can write to
Professor Theakston, School of
Engineering, University of Guelph.
Guelph, Ontario, NIG 2W1.
1
MAILBOX
OF THE
MONTH
belongs to
Buelah MacDougald
R.R. 1, Fullarton
Summer help should be decided soon
It may seem a little silly in February
but, the Canada Farm Labour Pool
suggests farmers should decide on their
summer help requirements soon.
Applications have already been received
from a number of students for summer
employment, many of them from the
University of Guelph.
Unless it is changed later in the year,
the Ontario Youth Employment Program
is still functioning and subsidized farmer
help last year for 51.25 per hour for a 40
hour week for a 16 week period.
Applications are mailed to you if you have
used the program previously and are also
available at the Ontario Ministry of
Agriculture and Food (OMAF).
The Junior Agriculturist Program is
also subsidized by government and
supplies urban students to the farmer
after high schools close in late spring.
Forms for these students are also
available at OMAF.
Student help is also available for spring
seeding in most areas, as students from
14. . .16 are willing stone pickers. Most
THE
of this labour is derived from the local
high schools and you may have to look on
your own.
University students applying now for
summer positions are usually senior,
many with some experience,and they are
available from mid-April. To get an early
start on the interviews and obtain the
help you need this summer, it is wise to
make your plans now.
For those short term jobs, geared for a
lot of help in a short time, consider hiring
Agri -Crew. These students will be
available again this year and are usually
ready to go by the end of June. This
program is run by the province and
information is available from OMAF early
in the spring.
Last month's mailbox
Ross Leonhardt, of R.R. 1, Bornholm,
in Perth County, is the proud owner of the
Twin Bells mailbox featured in last
month's mailbox photo.
RURAL VOICE/FEBRUARY 1981 PG. 25