by Steve Ohmes, Assistant Farmpark Administrator

We received an interesting question recently, “What do farmers do in the winter?” To the non-farming population, it may look like not much happens on a farm from winter to spring, but nothing could be further from the truth!  

For farms and ranches raising livestock, the winter and spring can be the hardest time of the year. Ensuring the livestock’s water doesn’t freeze, the herd or flock has protection from the elements, the nutritional needs are being met and trying to manage the spring mud season are just a few of the factors farmers and ranchers must consider. Besides managing livestock, the cold weather and mud can wreak havoc on the equipment used to feed the stock and clean the pens. In addition to caring for the animals, repairs must be made to the equipment and facilities as needed. 

For the crop farmer, winter into spring is a time for planning. Farmers review soil tests to plan proper fertilization applications, ensure the best crop rotations are being followed and possibly deliver stored hay to customers. A huge planning consideration is the proper variety selection for the crops grown. Factors such as day length, disease resistance, yields and price are all taken into consideration. In addition to crop planning, farmers must make repairs to equipment so that when the weather is right, the equipment is ready to be used in the field. 

Winter is also a time for evaluation. Are the methods being used the most efficient and profitable? Should the farm cut back, stay the same or expand? These are the business decisions faced by farms and ranches that must be discussed. 

Farm and ranch work and planning never stops. The decisions made on ranches and farms to ensure what is best for the livestock, land, water quality and sustainability of the operation all while focusing on growing a safe and healthy product for the consumer could never fit into one article. This article highlights just a small sample of what occurs on a farm from winter to spring. 

Visit Farmpark to see what's happening this winter!