How to Prepare Your Farm for Fall

Now that summer has come to an end, you’ll want to be sure that your farm is ready for fall and winter. While winter weather doesn’t generally get too bad in Texas, it’s still good to wind things down after harvest and take this time to do some necessary repairs and maintenance of farm buildings and equipment, in addition to tending to livestock.

As your Shiner, Texas, tractor and farm equipment dealer, we’ve provided you with these helpful farm preparation tips so you can get your agricultural operation ready for autumn and winter.

1. Mend Fences

The fences on your property may have fallen into disrepair over the summer, so it’s a good idea to take the time now to fix them up. Walk or drive around your property to check on your fences and take note of the supplies you’ll need to fix them, whether it’s wood, barbed wire or chain.

2. Prepare For Cold

Temperatures and weather can be more variable than they used to be here in Texas, so it’s important to make sure that your farm is ready to handle below-freezing temperatures and the potential for snow. 

Check your barn for gaps or drafts that can make it too cold for your livestock, and block up those gaps as needed. You should also have some wool blankets to put over your horses.

Have some rock salt available near pathways in case they become icy. It can be challenging to leave your house when your sidewalks and driveways are icy, so a non-toxic ice-melting product or rock salt are essential to keep in your garage, your house and your barn.

The water in your animals’ troughs can freeze in the cold, so a heated trough is a good idea to ensure that they have enough water. 

3. Clean & Repair Farm Equipment

All the machines you use on your farm will likely need a thorough cleaning by the time fall rolls around. Give them a thorough washing to remove mud and other debris. Then, make sure that each one is well-maintained and tuned up. Some tasks you may want to perform include:

• Inspecting and airing up tires or replacing them as needed.
• Change out oil and filters.
• Sharpen blades.
• Remove batteries and place them on a tender to keep them charged up while your equipment is in storage.
• Review the owner’s manual for each piece of farm equipment you own to make sure that you’ve performed all the tasks needed.

Looking to purchase some new farm machinery? Come see us at our dealership in Shiner, TX, to check out our wide stock of new and used agricultural equipment for sale. Boehm Tractor Sales proudly serves the cities of Seguin and greater Austin, TX.