SPRING EQUIPMENT AND TILLAGE WEAR PARTS
As a farmer, you’re already aware that you don’t technically have an “off season,” as things are always busy around the farm. However, things do tend to calm down in the winter, and then pick up again in the spring, so there is some preparation required between the two seasons. Believe it or not, we’re already midway through February, which means spring is just around the corner! It’s time to start thinking about getting your farm ready. This week’s Richmond Brothers Equipment blog is here to provide a few tips for making spring preparation simple this season.
Richmond Brothers Equipment has been a leader in tillage tools for many decades. We’ve used our own knowledge, skills, and experience in the farming industry to create the highest quality tillage tools on the market. Whether you’re looking for durable ripper points, shank savers, shovels, or other farm tools and equipment, our team here in Bay Port has got you covered. Read this week’s blog post to learn more about preparing for spring and browse our selection of tillage tools online, or stop by and see us today!
DETERMINE WHAT YOU’LL PLANT
Before the spring season officially begins and you start planting, you’ll want to first determine what you’re going to plant. Maybe you have a list of the same crops for each season that you use every year, or maybe you switch it up from time to time. No matter what the case is, you’ll want to sit down ahead of time and get your list in order so that when it comes time to put seeds in the ground, you’ll be well prepared.
Some things to keep in mind are fixed and variable costs that you’ll incur for each type of crop. Current prices and outlooks for each type of commodity may have shifted over the winter, so be sure that you conduct some research and get a general idea of expenses for each type of crop.
When planning which types of crops you’re going to plant, be sure to keep in mind the time that each takes to grow. You’ll want to begin with plants that take the longest so that you can properly time your harvest for each crop.
This is also a great time to stock up on any fertilizers or pest repellents you’ll need to begin the season.
REMOVE WEEDS
Weeds can negatively impact your harvest, so it’s important that you thoroughly remove all weeds in your soil before planting. You can choose to do this by hand, or use a disc ripper or cultivator tool to assist you!
This is something you’ll want to do right before you begin planting, as weeds grow quickly, and you don’t want to waste time removing them when they’ll just return again before you even get seeds in the ground.
PREPARE YOUR SOIL
Now that you have an idea of what you’re going to plant, you can begin preparing your soil! Winter has likely left your ground hard and frozen-over, meaning you’ll need to work on breaking it up before any planting can begin.
You should begin by breaking up the land with a cultivator, which helps bring up the hardened soil to soften it and get the ground prepared for planting.
During this time, we also recommend taking samples of your soil to measure pH and nutrients, as this will help you determine whether your soil may need a little extra help before seeds can actually grow.
SERVICE MACHINERY
It’s likely that much of your tools and machinery have sat idly in storage during the cold winter. This season especially, we have seen colder temperatures than usual, which means your machines will definitely need a bit of service in order to run properly and efficiently when needed.
Be sure to carefully inspect each tool and machine. Make sure that larger equipment starts up alright, and that smaller tools are sharpened and in proper condition. If you need any repairs, now is the time to call a specialized mechanic to help.
Servicing machinery ahead of time helps ensure that you won’t waste any valuable sunny days that could be used out in the field when the time arrives.
PREPARE FOR NEW ADDITIONS
Spring is a time for growth and birth, especially on farms. If you have livestock on your farm, you’ll want to be prepared, as the spring season will bring many new additions. We recommend stocking up on everything you’ll need to care for the newest members of the farm, including bedding materials, hay, and fresh water.
If you’re out of space, you’ll also want to clear an area for any new animals to live comfortably.
TIE UP LOOSE ENDS
While it’s recommended that you try to cross off as many items from your spring checklist as possible during the winter, we know that’s not always realistic. With subzero temperatures, the holidays, and everyday life getting in the way, you may still have quite a few loose ends on your farm that needs tying up.
There’s no need to worry, as this can be a great time to do so! If there are any lingering tasks that you’ve been putting off, be sure to use this pre-spring period to check them off. This can include inspections, taking inventory, calling on any repairs or maintenance, etc.
STOCK UP ON FARM TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
The key to a successful farming season is having the right farm tools and equipment. Without that, your farm will operate less efficiently, costing you both money and time.
Luckily for you, Richmond Brothers Equipment has everything you need to stock up on this spring. From ripper points and shank savers to shovels and chisel plows, our team of experienced farmers has got you covered! We can help you decide which tillage tools would best suit your needs.
LET RICHMOND BROTHERS EQUIPMENT HELP YOU PREPARE FOR SPRING
Spring is an exciting time! The birds are chirping, trees are blooming, and farming can begin again. Our team at Richmond Brothers Equipment is eager to help you prepare for spring on your farm by providing you with the most innovative, durable farming tools and equipment on the market.
We’ve been in the industry long enough to learn what makes tillage tools great, and we’ve used that knowledge to help us develop our very own line of tools.
We hope you’ve found these tips helpful, and we look forward to working with you. Reach out to our team in Bay Port today to learn more about our available tillage tools. Happy farming!