Frigid temperatures follow weekend snowstorm

by Jeff Ishee

Single-digit and below‑zero temperatures are sweeping across the Mid‑Atlantic in late January, threatening crops, livestock, and farm infrastructure at a time when producers are already stretched thin by deep snow and generally volatile weather. The sudden Arctic plunge is part of a broader cold pattern pushing frigid air from the Midwest toward the East Coast, bringing dangerous wind chills and prolonged freezes.

As temperatures dip below zero across some parts of Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, farmers are bracing for a range of impacts that can unfold rapidly during extreme cold events.

Image credit - Jeff Ishee

An advisory from the National Weather Service states, "The cold wind chills as low as 10 below zero could

result in hypothermia if precautions are not taken."

Wind chills well below zero also increase the risk of frostbite and hypothermia in cattle, sheep, and poultry. Animals burn significantly more energy to maintain body heat, forcing producers to boost feed rations and ensure constant access to unfrozen water. Even brief water system failures can become life‑threatening for herds.

Cover crops face freeze damage

Small grains and cover crops can tolerate cold, but sudden, deep freezes can injure plant tissues—especially where snow cover is thin. Tender orchard buds, high‑tunnel vegetables, and late‑planted small grains are particularly vulnerable. An extended cold spell slows photosynthesis and can weaken plants heading into spring.

Freezing rain and ice are also a threat to farms in the region, including the Carolinas. Image Credit - Jeff Ishee

Farmers in the region also face frozen pipes, cracked hydrants, and diesel gelling in tractors. Many Mid‑Atlantic farms rely on older water systems that are prone to freezing during prolonged cold spells. With the region expecting several days of single-digit or below‑freezing temperatures, even minor failures can cascade into major disruptions.