Winter time can mean a welcomed down time for grain farmers who normally work from sun up to sun down in the other seasons. Yet, there is no shortage of important work to do when the temperatures are colder.
Move & Market Grain
Many farmers who have stored grain on their farm will take the opportunity to move their grain to processing facilities, like LifeLine Foods. Additionally, many will take the time to look at the grain market of the last year and future predictions and decide on what future grain contract options are best suited for their operation.
Bettering the Business
Two of the biggest decisions a farmer will make on an annual basis are equipment and inputs—seed, fertilizer and others. Farmers spend time making sure that equipment is functioning properly and calculating the future equipment purchases needed for the business. They also look back at field data from the planting, growing and harvest seasons to make the best evaluation for the next year’s inputs.
Farmers may attend agricultural trade shows and meetings throughout the Winter to meet with dealers and others to learn more about the latest technologies and advancements. A lot of research is conducted in the slower months to make the right decisions and implement new ideas for the next season concerning equipment, seed, crop insurance, and more.
Bookkeeping
Summer and Fall months are filled with significant time in the field, leaving less time for accounting, bookkeeping and taxes. Winter months give farmers the time to tackle the current year’s financials and set a plan in place for the upcoming season without feeling guilty about time spent away from tending to their crops.
Spend time with Family
Many farmers, and especially their families, are used to long days three seasons out of the year. Those 18-hour-plus days do not lend themselves to much family time, so Winter allows a chance to slow down and spend time with family.