Fall on the farm means crisp mornings, changing leaves, and a long to-do list. From garden cleanup to barn prep and pasture rotation, now’s the time to button things up before winter rolls in.
Let’s dig in.
Pastures, Soil, & Water
📸: Karen K. of the Newberg, OR area
1. Rotate or Rest Pastures
Give your land a breather before winter. Move animals off overgrazed areas to help grass recover and reduce mud. If the turf is thinning, overseed or plant a cover crop now while the ground is still workable.
Fall is also a great time to tackle blackberry briars before they go dormant. Cut them back and make space for healthier forage in spring.
For a deeper dive, check out Winterizing Your Pasture.
2. Clean and Protect Water Sources
Check troughs, tanks, and natural water spots for algae buildup or blockages. Make sure pipes aren’t leaking and insulate exposed lines to prevent freezing temperatures.
Also, take care of wet areas where water tends to pool. If left unchecked, standing water can lead to mud, erosion, and even health issues for livestock. Fill low spots, redirect runoff, or fence off problem areas as needed.
While you’re at it, test your winter watering gear. Stock tank deicers, automatic waterers, heated buckets, dog bowls, and poultry waterers should be clean, functional, and plugged into safe outlets before the first freeze hits.
Check out Prevent Mosquitos Next Summer by Taking These Steps this Winter and Winterizing Birdbaths.
3. Run Soil Tests and Plan for Spring
Want healthier fields next year? Now’s the time to test your soil. Results come back quicker in the fall, and you’ll have a jumpstart on what to add when spring rolls in.
For more information, read Test Your Soil to Grow What You Love and Seasonal Planting: Winter to Early Spring.
4. Trim Back Overhanging Limbs
Walk your property and look for weak or leaning limbs over fences, barns, coops, or shelters. Fall storms and early snow can bring them down fast, causing damage or injuring animals.
Livestock & Shelter Prep
📸: Krista C. of the Battle Ground, WA area
1. Deep Clean Barns and Stalls
Start fresh before winter sets in. Clear out old bedding, power wash if needed, and disinfect all surfaces, especially corners, troughs, and nesting areas. Then, lay down clean bedding and rotate stalls so your livestock, poultry, and horses stay dry and comfortable.
This is also a good time to remove old barn swallow nests. Nesting season is over, and clearing them out helps discourage them from returning next year.
>> Shop Wilco Farm Store Animal Bedding
2. Rodent-Proof Feed Storage
Cooler temps bring hungry critters. Inspect feed containers and patch any cracks or gaps. Store bins off the floor and a few inches from the barn walls to make sneaking in harder. This is especially important for chicken feed and supplements. Once the rodents show up, they rarely come alone.
Also, watch for stink bugs and box elder bugs this time of year. They love sneaking into barns to overwinter. Sealing up small entry points can help keep them (and the mice) out.
3. Inspect Blankets, Tack, & Cold-Weather Gear
Before the temperatures dip, give your winter gear a once-over. Look for rips, worn straps, or broken buckles on horse blankets and turnout sheets. For poultry, check heat pads and cords for any signs of wear or damage.
Tack, halters, lead ropes, and training gear can dry rot or crack over time, especially if they haven't been used since spring. Catch issues now so you’re not scrambling during the first freeze or muddy training session.
4. Check Ventilation and Insulation
Good airflow keeps moisture (and mold) in check. Make sure vents are clear and damp insulation isn’t hiding in the walls. Fix any drafts that sneak in near stalls or tack areas.
5. Stock Up on Supplies
Keep extra hay, feed, minerals, and first-aid supplies on hand. Double-check flashlights, bulbs, and batteries so you’re not left in the dark during early morning feed times.
Read Winter Storm Prep and Create a Winter Emergency Car Kit for more ideas.
6. Check Outdoor Lighting
With shorter days and darker mornings, now’s the time to make sure your lights are ready. Replace burnt-out barn bulbs and consider adding motion-sensor or solar lights around gates, walkways, and feed areas.
For more help, check out Outdoor Lighting for the Home & Farm.
Yard, Garden & Equipment
📸: Jamie F. of the Lebanon, OR area
1. Clean Up the Garden and Growing Areas
Pull out summer plants, clear fallen fruit, and rake up anything that could rot or attract pests. It’s also a great time to toss what’s left into the compost pile, prep your soil for a cover crop, or give it a well-earned rest.
For more help, read:
- • How to Transition to a Fall Garden
- • Planting Bulbs in Fall for a Colorful Spring Bloom
- • Fall Planting Guide: September-December
2. Walk the Fence Line
Loose wires? Broken boards or posts? That one gate that only closes if you kick it just right? Now’s the time to fix it. Reinforce areas where livestock lean or rub most.
>> Shop Wilco Farm Fencing Supplies
3. Prep Equipment for Storage
If it won’t get used until spring, drain it, clean it, and put it to bed. Store small machines inside if you can, or cover them up tight with a tarp or cloth cover.
Also, before you tuck things away, sharpen blades on pruners, loppers, shovels, and mower decks. You’ll be glad you did when spring rolls around and everything’s ready to go.
4. Get Cold-Weather Tools Ready
Snow blowers, generators, heaters, chainsaws. Anything you rely on during the colder months should get a quick check-up now. Make sure batteries are charged, tires are good, and everything fires up like it should. Also, check fuel filters, spark plugs, and extension cords while you’re at it.
Don’t forget to test your generator and make sure it's running smoothly. Also, stock up on fuel so you're not caught short during a power outage.
Need propane? Select Wilco Farm Stores offer bulk propane refills and delivery in select areas to keep your tanks full all winter long.
Don’t Forget the Fun! Enjoying Fall on the Farm
📸: Stephanie G. of the Corvallis, OR area
1. Decorate with What You Grow
Pumpkins on the porch, corn stalks by the gate, hay bales by the roadside, or twinkle lights outside. Decorating your farm to look like a postcard doesn't take much.
2. Take a Scenic Ride or Walk
Cool mornings, colorful trees, and open pasture – what more do you need? Saddle up for a slow trail ride or take a walk with the family. It’s a great way to reset before the busy season kicks in.
3. Host a Bonfire or Harvest Gathering
Fall isn’t just for chores. It’s also for family and community. A low-key bonfire or backyard potluck can bring folks together and remind everyone what farm life’s really about.
4. Try Some Fall Crafts and Family Fun
After chores, break out the glue, birdseed, or baking trays. Fall is full of simple ways to get creative with what’s around the farm.
- • Make DIY bird feeders with the kids using pinecones, seed, and peanut butter.
- • Get crafty with Thanksgiving projects that keep little hands busy while the pies bake.
- • Whip up a “Thanksgiving” treat for your horses. They’ve earned it, too!
Share the Fall Spirit
Whether you’re harvesting pumpkins or stringing lights in the barn, we want to see your favorite fall moments.
Enter the Ag in Autumn Photo Contest here!
Fall Prep = Winter Peace of Mind
📸: Jennifer D. of the Springfield, OR area
Fall on the farm is busy, but it’s also one of the most rewarding times of year. Take it one section at a time, sprinkle in a few fun moments, and you’ll be ready for whatever the colder months bring.
Stock up on everything you need for fall at your local Wilco Store or shop online.
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