BUSINESS

How do farms operate in the winter?

Winter begins in December but planning for the coldest time of the year begins in the Fall. There are several types of farming taking place, with each offering its own challenges during the Winter. Whether a farmer is involved in farming crops or livestock, they will try to attend to administrative issues. Farmers spend the Winter months preparing their farms for the Spring by attending to required maintenance and upgrades.

 

We tend to think of Winter as a time when the agricultural industry grinds to a halt. However, this could not be further from the truth. The arrival of Winter brings different problems to separate sectors of the industry. The short days and long nights of Winter are a time when most farmers look to address their administrative issues, such as taxes and deciding on plans for the next year.

 

Crop Farmers

 

Crop farmers can grow some vegetables during the colder months, such as broccoli, Brussel sprouts, and cauliflower. Growing these crops adds income for farmers who may face a fall in their income over the Winter months. Crop farmers are turning to a long list of vegetables that thrive in the coldest temperatures, such as asparagus and kale. The addition of Winter vegetables adds to the work of farmers, with the majority of cold-weather crops not needing the same level of support as those grown in the Summer months.

 

Not every crop farmer looks to grow Winter vegetables, with many choosing to spend the colder months tending to the maintenance of their property. Maintenance takes up some time for crop farmers, with most of their time spent planning on the crops to be grown the next year. Farmers spend their time in the Winter looking to find the right type and amount of seed to plant crops in the Spring.

 

Livestock Farmers

 

There are different demands on livestock farmers, with the different types of animals farmed providing their own issues. Pig and turkey farmers see little change in their daily routine because most of these animals are housed in large buildings under electric lights. For these farmers, the demands of the Winter include keeping their livestock warm during Winter storms. It is also important that the feed quality stays fresh and doesn’t freeze for the livestock. 

 

Cattle farmers raising cows for beef or dairy see different issues over the Winter. Each dairy farm has to complete the process of milking cows whether a Winter storm is passing overhead, or the skies are clear. Caring for cattle during the Winter offers unique challenges, with the risk of frostbite always an issue. Cattle are susceptible to frostbite of the udders, which can cause long-term milk-producing problems. Cattle farmers need to monitor the weather and provide shelter for their herd when the temperature falls below freezing to protect them from frostbite.

 

Young calves are born throughout the year and require the attention of farmworkers until they reach maturity. Yong cattle are under the threat of frostbite, particularly to their ears during the coldest days. Throughout the winter months, farmers will decide to move cattle into barns and covered buildings to provide warmth and protection from the elements. Cattle farmers often house the youngest calves in their own homes to provide comfort and warmth.

 

Everyday Maintenance


Farms are isolated from towns and cities, meaning farmers can survive without the help of others. A farmer will assemble an emergency kit to keep them safe if a Winter storm leaves their property without power. Time is spent completing maintenance on farm equipment and buildings during the Winter to prepare them for the next year. Another area of concern is the property itself, with hazards removed before any snow or ice arrives and makes driveways and sidewalks difficult to navigate.