What Do Farmers Do in the Winter?

Winter may seem like a slow time on an agritourism farm—especially one that relies on good weather for outdoor activities—but farmers are far from sitting around doing nothing. While the fields may be quiet and visitors fewer, winter is actually one of the most important seasons on the farm. It’s a time for maintenance, animal care, and careful planning for the year ahead.

Preparing Equipment for the Next Season

Once fall harvest is complete, farmers shift their focus to taking care of the tools that make farming possible. Tractors and other farm equipment need regular maintenance, just like cars. Winter is the perfect time for oil changes, replacing worn parts, sharpening blades, and making repairs. Taking care of equipment now helps prevent breakdowns during busy planting and harvesting seasons when every minute counts.

Harvest Wrap-Up and Storage

For many farms, harvesting continues into late fall, and winter is when crops are cleaned, stored, and transported. Grain may be stored in bins and later trucked to the local co-op. Proper storage is crucial to protect crops from moisture, pests, and temperature changes. Farmers carefully monitor stored grain throughout the winter to ensure it stays in good condition.

Caring for Animals in Cold Weather

Animals still need daily care no matter the season. During winter, farmers make sure livestock have warm, dry shelters and plenty of bedding to help them stay comfortable. Animals often grow thicker coats to keep warm, and farmers adjust feeding routines to provide extra calories, since animals use more energy to stay warm in cold temperatures. Fresh water is also essential, which means breaking ice and checking water sources regularly.

Planning for Spring and Beyond

Winter is also a time for planning. Farmers review what worked well the previous year and what could be improved. They order seeds, plan crop rotations, schedule field trips and events, and prepare for the busy seasons ahead. This behind-the-scenes work helps ensure a successful and smooth year once warmer weather returns.

Why Winter Matters on the Farm

Although it may look quiet from the outside, winter is anything but slow on the farm. It’s a season of preparation, care, and thoughtful planning that sets the stage for everything that happens during spring, summer, and fall.

Winter on the farm is a reminder that farming is a year-round job. Even when fields are resting and activities slow down, farmers are working hard to care for animals, maintain equipment, and plan for the future. All of this important winter work helps make sure the farm is ready to grow, welcome visitors, and thrive when the seasons change again.