The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center issues monthly forecasts well in advance, relying on broad climate trends to estimate temperatures and precipitation across the United States. However these forecasts lack specificity. For detailed predictions, you typically need to consult the National Weather Service, a meteorologist, or a trusted app, but those only provide accurate forecasts about 7-10 days out. As a result many people choose to turn to folklore as an alternative.
People across the world have relied on signs in nature to predict the incoming weather for centuries. Both the Old Farmers’ Almanac and the Farmers’ Almanac (yes, they’re different) take advantage of a mix of science and folklore to present weather predictions on the coming year for gardeners and farmers hoping to get a jump on what to plant and when to plant it.
Birds, plants, insects, and more have all been used by farmers, homesteaders, and general weather enthusiasts to give a general idea of the upcoming winter and its conditions far ahead of time. Here are 6 ways farm animals can help predict a cold and snowy winter according to both the Old Farmers’ Almanac.
6 Ways Farm Animals Predict A Cold and Snowy Winter According to The Old Farmers’ Almanac
- Pigs: If you see pigs gathering leaves and straw in the fall, expect a hard winter to come.
- Sheep: If you see sheep huddled up in a tight group, you can expect either rain or snow.
- Rabbits: When rabbits are visibly fat in October and November, expect a cold and hard winter.
- Chickens: If the hen molts before the rooster, winter will be hard as a rock. If the rooster molts before the hen, expect winter thick and thin.
- Turkeys: According to the Old Farmers’ Almanac, turkeys with unusually thick feathers can indicate a hard winter ahead.
- Cows: When cows graze with their tails pointed east, the weather will likely turn foul.
