Winter is one of the most difficult seasons on a farm.
- As the weather transitions from a scorching summer to a cool autumn, my colleague and I begin to prepare.
It will soon be time to endure months of snow and freezing temperatures. My partner and I raise beef cows, pigs, and chickens on pasture. Our objective has always been to have a consistent supply to sell at local farmer’s markets. My colleague and I also raise pre-ordered turkeys for Thanksgiving. In any case, when it comes to preparing for winter, my colleague and I must ensure that everything is prepared for the animals. When the ground is covered with snow, my coworker and I begin stockpiling hay because there is no grass for the cows to eat. My colleague and I also inspect the water pipes for adequate insulation. In the past, frozen pipes were such a problem for us that my coworker and I had to bring water from the neighbors. Thankfully, our local HVAC and A/C provider also handles plumbing and electrical issues. They devised ingenious methods to keep our pipes from freezing. In lieu of placing them near the surface, my colleague and I engaged in a massive digging operation last year. The objective was to bury the pipes deeply enough so that the ground remains hot despite snow and ice. Also, my colleague and I acquired this unique hydrant that will not freeze during the winter. My colleague and I have also ensured that the temperature control is set correctly to prevent the pipes from freezing. Keeping the thermostat at a constant temperature morning and night prevents the pipes from freezing. This has also been beneficial because our boiler no longer struggles to keep our home warm during the winter.