Those not familiar with grain farming may have the perception winter is mostly downtime or a long vacation to sunny and warm locales in the Deep South. Although there certainly is downtime and more time to spend with family and winter is not as busy as the other seasons of the year, grain farmers still have quite a bit to keep them busy.

Just how busy the winter can be depends on the size of the grain farm operation and if the farmer has any employees. Bruce Ferguson is a grain farmer west of Clunette in Prairie Township and he noted having employees makes a difference. “I don’t have any employees, but if you do it could be a job in itself,” he said. “Through the winter you have to find something for them to do.”

Ferguson said winter allows for more flexibility and time for family, but it also is a time to do things that typically can’t be done during the spring, summer and fall when there is less free time.

He has excavating equipment and can make improvements to his ground during the winter months, as well as deal with any drainage tile issues that need to be addressed. “You can still clear a fence row in the winter,” he said for another example.

Ferguson does not have heated shops and does maintenance work on his equipment during warmer months, but “if I had employees I would need a heated shop.” Some farmers do maintenance on their equipment throughout the winter, preparing for spring planting.

Planning is a common winter activity. Some grain farmers consult with grain elevators or other ag experts to plan for the next year. Ferguson chooses to do his own mapping and analyzes yields from previous years to help make decisions on planting, seed spacing and more.

Continuing education has grown in significance, especially due to changes in the use of chemicals, and the winter is an opportune time to attend seminars either in person or via the Web. Bill Wohead, owner of Mentone Grain and Feed LLC, said some grain farmers could participate in as many as two to three sessions per week. The county Purdue Extension Office offers many classes.

“They (continuing education sessions) cover seed corn, fuel, fertilizers, chemicals, grain marketing, the EPA regulations and trucking (among others),” he said. Pesticide training is required in order to keep an applicators license intact.

Attending farm shows can also be a winter activity. Farmers may be in the market for new equipment or just want to see what is new. Fort Wayne has a large show each year in January and there is also one in Louisville, Ky.

Wohead noted managing grain and marketing it during the winter can be a priority. Marketing is also done year round, Ferguson commented. “You are watching the market all the time to get a feel for the trends and to pick the better time for sales.”

Hauling grain to elevators is another typical winter endeavor. Farmers choose an elevator based on a number of factors including proximity, available time, crop prices and fuel costs.

Doing business with the local Farm Service Agency is also common in the winter. Farmers enroll in programs offering benefits and also provide input concerning crop yields.

And keeping an eye on their land is a year round activity. “During the winter, freezing and thawing can help the soil structure,” Ferguson said.