Just because the crops have been harvested, that doesn’t mean that farming stops in the winter. Farmers’ duties are year-round, with winter being a tough time full of harsh weather and preparations for the next year’s growing season.
Crop farmers use the wintertime as a chance to catch up on supplies such as fertilizer or seeds for planting next year’s plants. They make plans for what crops to plant next year, which fields to plant them in, and how much to plant. Some farmers that grow grain store their grains on the farm and spend the winter transporting or shipping their grains to various locations for sale.
Farming is also a good time to fix up any machinery that may have broken during the harvest. These tractors and equipment are essential to the growth and maintenance of the plants which support the farmer. This equipment needs to be in tip-top shape for the planting season come spring.
Animal farmers have a much different experience with winter. While still thinking about fixing their equipment and preparing for next year’s harvesting season, animal farmers still need to take care of their animals daily. During the winter, farmers must pay close attention to the health of their animals, making sure none of them get too cold or get frostbite. They also must pay attention to water troughs, making sure that they don’t freeze over and animals can still get water.
Newborn calves or other animals in winter present an extra challenge for farmers as they need to keep them warm in order for them to survive and grow. Many farmers will often bring babies into their own homes or put a calf coat on them just to give them that extra warmth and comfort.
Farmers spend a lot of time out in the cold throughout the winter, dealing with extreme conditions that many of us wouldn’t even consider going out in. A severe storm can cause major trauma to a farm, especially if the power were to be knocked out. Blizzard conditions are severe, and farmers still have to go out and make sure their animals are alright in conditions often not even safe for themselves.
Conditions for farmers can be extreme and tough during the winter, but farmers are strong individuals who can handle many things thrown at them. They have a tough job during the winter caring for their land and their animals. While you’re sitting inside, enjoying your hot chocolate, all snuggled in your blanket by the fire, give a little thought and be appreciative of the farmers who face all kinds of cold winter weather to care for their animals and provide you with many of the products you love and use daily!