Farming In The Winter
Winter is almost over, and for many agricultural operations, that means shaking off some dust, getting things in working order, and setting up to get back to work. But consider for next winter that the cold doesn’t mean you have to stop dead in your tracks. We here at New South Tractor know how important it is to make the most of every day on your farm, so we’ve put together some tips for farming operations in the winter. If you want more tips, or you’re just looking for some new equipment, contact our store in Newton, North Carolina, today!
Greenhouses
We don’t get much snow or ice in our area, but even if you’re in a warmer part of the Tar Heel State, it probably gets too cold for most of your crops. Greenhouses are a great way to keep growing in the dead of winter, up to and including crops you wouldn’t normally be able to grow in your area! These can be ordered, built by professionals, or built with your own two hands.
Maintenance And Repairs
If you do choose to stop growing things during the colder months, that just means more hours to devote to things you might have been putting off. Performing maintenance and repairs on your various vehicles, equipment, and machines should claim some of your attention during this time, particularly harvesting equipment. If you end up finding a serious issue that you or your team can’t tackle, give us a shout! Our service department will have you fixed up in a jiffy.
Improving Shelters
Animal and equipment shelters will always need some sprucing up, and that’s especially important with dropping temperatures. Cover any and all holes and cracks and replace anything that’s too worn to be effective. If you’re in a particularly frigid region, look into devices like space heaters to keep your animals warm and your pipes from freezing.
Update Records
Paperwork isn’t fun, but with the downtime winter affords you, it’s time to get everything squared away. Accounting records, harvest yield data, soil test results, and more need to be attended to. Crunching those numbers in the winter can help you improve your operation’s efficiency with spring coming up!
Adjust Numbers Of Animals
That number-crunching might show that it’s time to adjust your livestock situations. You may need to sell some to make sure they’re all getting what they need, or you might find you need a few more! It’s vital to ensure you aren’t stretching your resources—animals need proper care to keep them in good health and good spirits.
We hope these tips help keep your operation smooth and efficient next winter and beyond! If you have any questions, or if you want to browse through our farm equipment, contact us at New South Tractor. We proudly serve the people of Newton and Asheville, North Carolina—let us serve you today!