If you are a farm owner or
maintain your own homestead, it is essential that you get to work “winterizing”
your property and livestock if you haven’t already. Winter is here, and if
you’re new to this industry, there are a number of steps you’ll need to
complete to keep things running smoothly.
Here is an actionable checklist to
follow.
Items to Prepare Your Garden:
ü Pick up
all equipment from the garden, including those needed for irrigation, clean
them up and store them away. If you do not do this, odd parts may get stuck in
the snow blower.
ü Construct
snow fences in the areas that you want to protect from the worst of the drifts.
ü Go ahead
and sow “cover crops” like oats to ensure that the soil is not exposed to the
onslaught of ice.
ü It is also
a good idea to get your soil tested for necessary minerals and trace elements
so that you can add the compounds needed to regain nutrient balance for the
busy seasons ahead.
Items to Prepare Your Equipment:
ü Have the
shovels and salt ready.
ü Winterize
your tractors by checking the battery, the filters and the level of
anti-freeze.
ü Check and
change tires as needed. You don’t want to stay stuck with a flat during
precarious and unpredictable winters.
Items to Prepare Livestock:
ü Clean
drinking water for your livestock is essential. This is one of the first things
to handle. Maintain a supply that will not require frequent replenishment.
ü Ensure
that your livestock is fully immunized.
ü Buy enough
bedding and feed taking into account adjusted rations for the winter months.
ü Conduct
repairs in the barns. Change the curtains; plug in any gaps from where the
chill can creep in, clean fan blades and set-up adequate ventilation.
ü Buy and
stock calf coats and calf supplies, especially if you are expecting births in
the cold.
Though it is late in the season to
get started, it’s always a good idea to double check your own process and make
sure you’re not forgetting any steps. Now’s the time to make any last
adjustments before the big freeze sets in.
