Prepping for COLD WEATHER

It doesn't matter if the almanac says it'll be frosty, snowing, warmer than average or downright frozen, winter is coming and you and your farm need to be ready.

- ASHLEIGH KRISPENSE

Even though the afternoons continue to be dappled with warm sunshine, the evenings are getting shorter and nights continually colder. The urge to stock the pantry, fill the nesting boxes with straw and get some extra feed lined up for the cattle bubbles up inside, growing stronger with each passing day.

Each season brings its own set of struggles and blessings. While the warmer months are meant to be spent digging through the dirt as we plant, water and weed our gardens, autumn and winter allow the weary soul some time to slow down and turn thoughts to inside the home. Of course, chores will still need to be done and animals need to be cared for, but most of the time can be centered around indoor activities.

A good habit to put into practice toward the middle of autumn is to make a list of tasks that need accomplished before the snow starts to fall. From putting the garden to rest to preparing the animals and stocking up on hay, it's best to take a walk around the yard and make notes of any odd jobs that need completed. A variety of problems can be alleviated if proper care and maintenance is done ahead of time.

The same well-prepared mentality should be applied inside the home, from filling the pantry with shelf-stable goods in case a trip to town is unable to be made to loading up the wood racks with firewood earlier in the year.

Learning what is needed to batten down the hatches before winter comes knocking on your door is helpful and practical and can often be fun as you check things off your list.

YARD & GARDEN