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November 12, 2025 - Winter Prep on the Farm

Getting ready for the colder months ahead.

As fall settles in across Alberta and the first frosts appear, farmers know it won’t be long before winter makes its presence felt. Before snow piles up and temperatures drop, there’s a lot of work to be done to make sure farms, equipment, and livestock are ready for the months ahead.

For many farmers, preparation starts with machinery. Tractors, combines, trucks, and snow removal equipment are carefully checked and serviced. Fuel tanks are topped up, batteries charged, tires inspected, and any minor repairs handled before the first snowfall. A breakdown in the middle of a storm can be costly and stressful, so getting equipment ready is one of the first priorities.

Livestock care is another major focus. Animals need shelter, bedding, and a reliable food supply to stay healthy during the cold months. Hay bales are stacked and organized, silage piles checked, and backup feed sources prepared in case winter is harsher than expected. Water systems are winterized, and windbreaks or sheds are inspected to make sure animals have protection from freezing winds. These preparations can mean the difference between a smooth winter and serious challenges for both the animals and the farmers who care for them.

Crop fields are not forgotten once harvest is complete. Leaving crop residue on fields helps protect the soil from erosion, while some farmers plant cover crops to improve soil health and reduce nutrient loss over the winter. Fences, gates, and irrigation systems are inspected and repaired while the weather is still cooperative, ensuring everything is in good shape before snow and ice make work difficult. Grain bins and storage areas also get attention: they’re cleaned, sealed, and organized so that crops remain safe until the next season.

Planning is just as important as the physical work. Farmers take stock of feed supplies, review winter grazing plans, and plan to purchase extra hay or grain if needed. Keeping an eye on the forecast is critical, especially with Alberta’s unpredictable weather. An early snowstorm can quickly create challenges if fields aren’t cleared or animals aren’t fully prepared.

Winter preparation is as much about routine as it is about flexibility. Each year brings different challenges, and farmers learn to adapt. Securing feed, checking equipment, and preparing fields may take weeks, but it pays off when snow piles high and temperatures drop. With careful planning, producers can manage the risks that winter brings.

For those living in rural Alberta, this season of preparation is a reminder of the quiet, often unseen work that keeps farms running year-round. Winter may slow growth above ground, but on the farm, it’s a busy time filled with planning, organizing, and protecting what’s been grown. By the time spring arrives, everything is in place, ready to grow again.

With snow on the horizon, Alberta farmers continue to work behind the scenes, making sure their equipment is ready, their animals are cared for, and their farms are prepared for the season ahead. It’s hard work, but it’s essential — and it’s what keeps Alberta’s agricultural heart beating strong, even in the coldest months.