For row crop operations in Kansas, the busy season of fall harvest has been over for at least a month. The crops are in bins, grain bags or stored at the local elevator. The temperatures have cooled down, the days are shorter and the holiday season is in full swing.

 Even though the combine may be cleaned off and put in the back of the shed, there is still plenty of work to be done during the winter months for farmers.

 First, farmers spend a lot of their time repairing and cleaning machinery to prevent breakdowns for spring tillage and planting. During the winter months, hauling grain is also a large task. Depending on the operation, many farmers utilize on-farm storage during harvest and then fulfill contracts later. If they aren’t in the shop turning wrenches or hauling grain, farmers are keeping up with paperwork and business planning.

Many farmers call the winter months their “paperwork season,” meaning their days are spent meeting with seed dealers and input dealers to pre-purchase seed, fertilizer and some chemicals.

Even though farmers may not put in as many long days as during harvest or planting, there is still plenty to do! In fact, and when possible, we attend trade shows and farm shows to continue learning about new technology, marketing options, policies, and more.

 While there are many other things that happen on farms during the winter, we are continually grateful for the opportunity to adapt to each season!