Winter Werk - part 3
(continued)
The following is a continuation of the prior posts addressing what this veg farmer does during the "off-season."
So - what DO you do in the Winter months?
Ok - so I've avoided the original question for two entire posts on this topic. Guess I'd better actually answer it. Take a deep breath......
Finish recording and analyzing the prior year's growing and harvest data. Compare it to other years and use it to project capacities and make decisions about growing options.
Complete organic certification packet and submit it.
Complete financial analysis for the prior, complete taxes for the farm and create a budget for the coming year.
Inventory remaining seed.
Review prior year's field plans and create field plans for the coming year.
Use the above to create seed orders and place them.
Finish any paperwork for the prior year's CSA, develop new promotional materials, begin to promote the new season CSA and work on billing.
Winter and early Spring is "presentation season"
Review existing tools. Determine what is broken and whether it can be fixed. Determine what is needed.
Fix tools and equipment.
Research new equipment for the farm and determine what will be bought from whom (and when).
Produce a plan for workers in the coming year and begin the process of locating workers for the coming year.
Set up research tasks for the coming season.
Refine record keeping methods
Refine task planning methods.
Apply for grants or report on tasks undertaken for grants.
Update the farm website (currently working on it)
Do all the household stuff that doesn't get done during the growing season.
Got house projects to do? Better do them now. What? It has to be done in nicer weather? Never mind.
Spend some quality time with people you like.
Read books on horticulture, pollinators, cover crops, farming techniques and dragons (hey! I'm allowed to read fiction once in a while!)
Begin planting in late January. (yes, you read that right)
Harvest and sell what you can that is in the high tunnel.
Assess winter storage crops and determine if you need to sell more of it since you won't eat it all.
Reestablish alliances/agreements/contacts with other growers or related individuals or groups prior to the start of the season.
Figure out the growing season event schedule (festivals, Tom Sawyer Days, markets, etc etc)
Determine and place orders for poultry chicks to be raised in the coming year.
Research more sources for local and sustainably raised meats and foods.
Respond to requests for information or services.
Figure out how to sell/deliver eggs (go ladies go!)
Do what I can to support Tammy in her real job (teaching at the college)
Inventory and then place orders for supplies (trays, soil for starting seeds, feed, etc)
Prune trees.
Do whatever outdoor tasks you can manage to do so they aren't stacked up in one of the busiest months (May).