Published on Apr 12, 2022 by Mollie Aronowitz, AFM
WATCH VIDEO: Farmer Reshaping A Waterway
In my part of the country, Land Managers spend most of the first quarter of the calendar year indoors – buttoning up records from the previous year, writing reports, meeting with clients/tenants and attending continuing education. Early April begins to offer good days to get out, but often too cold or too wet for consistent fieldwork just yet.
Now is a good time to finalize work lists for the year and confirm contractor work orders. It would also be wise to double-check work estimates bid last fall for 2022 completion to ensure supplies are in stock and cost estimates have not significantly changed.
Here is a rundown of my April work checklist:
General Curb Appeal: The aesthetic of a farm may not increase a farm’s overall productivity, but there is something rewarding for both landowner and farmer to drive by a good-looking farm.
Photo: Purple thistles in full bloom along a field border in early June. Mowing this field border earlier in the season would have helped suppress the invasive plant’s seed bank and given the intended perennials a stronger chance to establish.
Equipment Field Access and Safety: Some years, it is a mad dash to get the crop out before the weather changes, and there is little time to address the general wear and tear of a property. Early spring can offer a chance to review field entrances and borders that may hurt or hinder farming operations.
Photo: Clean entrances and fence rows ensure clear site lines and protect equipment from unnecessary scratches or damage.
In-field Maintenance: Getting out onto the farm is equally important as addressing perimeter issues.
Photo: Operator is reshaping a waterway on a farm with a winter-hardy cereal rye cover crop growing. The farmer will take the excess dirt collected and fan it out into the farm field.
These early-season check-ins are also a good opportunity to discuss future goals:
As we get closer to the planned start date of a growing season, it is important to be mindful of farmers’ schedules. Farmers in my area are currently preparing their fleet of equipment needed for planting 2022 with inputs purchased and lined up for delivery. They will begin to closely watch the ten-day forecast and track soil temperatures. The key to successful collaboration is finding meeting times that fit both parties’ schedules and give plenty of preparation time for new requests/project ideas.
Peoples Company Land Managers are trained in a variety of best practices of the region they work in. To learn more about consulting and management services available in your area, contact Peoples Company Land Management at landmanagement@peoplescompany.com or visit our website www.PeoplesCompany.com.