Maintaining a farm over the winter months is largely about preparation. From your tools to your animal feed, you want to make sure your valuable farm supplies are protected before the cold weather hits. Winterize your farm now to ensure it’s ready for work come spring.

How to Get Your Farm Ready for Winter

1. Prepare Tools for Storage

Lawnmowers, leaf blowers, and similar farm supplies aren't needed when there's snow on the ground. Preparing these tools for secure winter storage is critical if you want to protect them against cold, snow, and ice.

To prepare power tools for storage, drain any remaining fuel and remove old batteries. You don't want to risk the fuel freezing or batteries bursting due to cold. Any tools with sharp edges, like knives, should be cleaned, sharpened, and oiled to prevent rusting. Store tools somewhere dry, like a barn, shed, or cellar.

2. Store Feed Safely

Proper feed storage safeguards against mold, mildew, and bacteria. If you don't store your feed properly, you will lose money on wasted, rotten feed.

To protect hay, make sure it's properly cured and baled, and stacked in a dry location. Leave some space between haystacks so air can circulate, preventing bacterial growth. To avoid moisture seeping into the bottom of hay bales from the damp earth, store hay on wooden pallets.

When storing grain, keep bags off the ground. This helps to keep moisture and pests from getting in. Once a feed bag is open, place it in a waterproof plastic container to keep rodents and bugs out.

3. Safeguard Against Pests

While using secure containers is helpful in keeping rats, mice, and other pests out of open bags of feed, it isn't a 100% guarantee. Unfortunately, rodents can chew through plastic containers if they're really determined.

Be proactive about pest control. Placing mouse and rat traps can help deter rodents. Just keep the traps away from areas where livestock, pets, or children have access.

Bolivar Farmers Exchange of Polk County, MO, has been serving the local farming community since 1920. They offer fertilizers, feeds, bulk seed, and farm supplies, as well as equipment rentals. They are known for top-quality products, friendly service, and affordable prices. Visit their website for more information about their offerings. If you have questions, call (417) 326-5231.