For most farming businesses across the country, winter weather brings a halt to their biggest operations. But that doesn’t mean you can or want to just sit around waiting for spring to come again. So how do you stay busy in the months between your last harvest and your first planting? Set yourself up for success in the coming seasons by following these winter farming tips to stay productive in the off-season.
Perform Building Inspections
A farmer’s to-do list is never-ending, which means you don’t have much time throughout the year to simply walk your property and look for issues that need your attention. That’s why it’s important to prioritize inspections once things slow down in the winter.
Inspect each of the buildings on your land and look for problems like leaks, mold, damage to windows and doors, holes in the siding or foundation, and so on. Repairing these issues now ensures your buildings are ready to go in the spring. This also helps you keep a safe and secure area for livestock, crop storage, and other essential parts of your farm.
Keep Up With Equipment Maintenance
When you’re not using your tractors every day, it can be easy to simply let them sit in the shed for weeks on end. This can lead to problems come spring, though. That’s why one of the most important winter farming tips to stay productive in the off-season is to keep up with preventative maintenance schedules. Stay on top of oil and filter changes, vehicle inspections, and more. You should also run your equipment every once in a while to make sure all systems are operating smoothly. This helps set you up for a smooth and successful spring.
Organize Records and Revisit Financial Options
On bitterly cold days, you don’t want to be outside walking through the open fields. That’s when it’s best to grab a warm drink and spend the day inside catching up on records and bookkeeping. This is the perfect opportunity to reorganize financial documents, review your finances, and even consider loan options to set yourself up for success in the coming seasons.
If your winter inspections have brought up major issues for repairs or if you want to invest in new equipment in the upcoming year, a loan can help cover those costs. Reviewing potential lenders and asking prospective rural land lenders the right questions can help you find a loan option that allows you to bring your farm to new heights once spring comes around again.
