SHELBY — Just what does a farmer do during the winter months?
Farmers use the winter months to attend to the bookkeeping part of the job. This includes taxes, land leases, meeting with seed dealers and shop for possible new equipment.
It is also a good time to clean and fix the equipment. Several farm shows are held during the winter months to give the farmers a review of new research and make plans to implement new ideas.
Hauling corn and soybeans is a large part of the winter months. Just because the harvest is done, doesn’t mean that the results of the harvest are done. Some farmers store some of the corn and soybean crops in grain bins. Usually, that portion of the crop will be hauled into the granary before spring.
Some farmers not only clean their equipment, like their automobiles they give the machinery a good coat of wax . After a busy harvest season, parts start to wear down and the machines need maintenance.
Making improvements to the equipment includes replacing a new belt or chains. It’s important to keep the machines running properly and in good shape so they can get as much use out of them as possible, and avoid problems during the busiest times of the year.
Some farmers like to have an “End of Harvest” party to thank all their employees, agronomist, wives, and just plain have a good social time before the busy spring arrives.
You won’t find many farmers watching soap operas during the winter months. There is just too much to get done.
