Getting winter-ready on tillage farms largely involves preparing machinery for storage or operation in low temperatures. However, it may also be useful to prepare your buildings and yard for the winter period where we are likely to see more frequent storms, frosty temperatures, sleet and snow.

In general, it is good practice to store machinery inside over winter. However, rarely can growers store all machines inside, so prioritise the machines that are most sensitive to weather. These include your fertiliser spreader, sprayer, drill and harvest equipment. Leave them clean and greased before moving indoors and be sure to check the antifreeze levels in all the engines.

Then consider the machinery which will be used over the winter period including tractors, quads and loaders. These machines need to be fit to operate in wintery conditions.

While many of these already are, it is no harm to run through the checks as we enter the second half of November.

Tractors

Tractors are likely to be used over the winter to some degree on tillage farms. Below is a basic guide to some of the main elements you should look out for.

Lighting: Make sure all the lights are in place and working correctly. This includes headlights, work lights, brake lights and indicators.

Cooling system: Check that the cooling system is full and add antifreeze. Check that the system is topped up and there are no leaks in the reservoir, radiator or hoses.

Service: It is good practice to check the tractor’s fluid levels often on level ground before starting, including engine oil, transmission and hydraulic oils, as well as coolant.

Battery: Make sure the battery is fully charged. Cold weather doesn’t affect the battery itself, but it does require twice as much power in order to start a tractor in the cold.

Tyres: Farmers need to ensure their tyres are fit for purpose. Tyres should be inspected for any cracks or cuts that may reduce structural strength.

Brakes: Also make sure the brakes and handbrake are working correctly and balanced. The foot brakes should always be kept interlocked and only unlocked for field work.

Sprayers

Depending on your cropping mix and weather conditions, the winter storage period for sprayers can range anywhere from one month to five months. However long the storage period is, sprayers should be washed out and the tank, lines and pump should be drained thoroughly before storage. Growers should also take the opportunity to remove the nozzles and filters and wash them, leaving them ready for the 2021 spraying campaign. Finally, ensure to add antifreeze to the tank and run all the lines and nozzles, including the induction hopper.

Pest control

Pests can be a problem over winter. Sheds, especially grain stores, should contain a number of bait boxes for rodent control.

These boxes should be designed to keep non-target animals out, while allowing access for rodents to the bait.

They should also be secured to the wall or floor, be tamper-resistant and be positioned to ensure they avoid contamination.

Each store should contain a map showing the location of the boxes.

Farmyard

The farmyard is often forgotten about when it comes to getting winter-ready.

Take a look around to see if there are any trees or buildings which could collapse during a storm and carry out pre-emptive maintenance.

Check that gutters and spouting are cleared from leaves and debris and are functional.

With the darker evenings well and truly here, think about your farmyard lighting and see if there are areas which could benefit from improved lighting.

Lights are not expensive to install, but can greatly improve farmyard safety.

Check your yard’s supplies, such as grit or sand, protective clothing and equipment, torches, batteries and first-aid kits.

It’s also good practice to ensure your emergency contacts are up to date and accessible.

Also, ensure that your yard’s Eircode is displayed in a prominent place.

Office

Winter on tillage farms generally sees growers spend more time in the office. Spending more time at the desk and computer can bring its own problems, so ensure your setup is ergonomic to help prevent back and neck pain. While this may seem like an issue that is only relevant to the office worker, investing in that new, back-friendly office chair this winter could make sitting in the tractor seat in spring that bit easier.