This time of year can be either a time of slumber if you are a ground hog or for the farmer an important time of planning. The past years of harvest results have been documented and seeds were ordered for this years crops. Most of which have been received-organized-and filed for successional planting or propagating. Now comes the waiting game. 

    The ground is too wet or snow is still covering some areas. The soil is soft and mushie, but the farmer knows that the tiny micro-organisms are munching and creating a rich bio mass that will insure a great start to an intense harvest. Patiently he waits, if the ground is disturbed to early it can be packed down. The riches that have been created will be distroyed before they have had a chance to be asorbed by freshly planted seeds.  Clean up is even hard around the farm. Mulch that was placed to protect the berries or overwintered bulb crops still needs to be left alone.

    Still the farmer has work to do...grease wheels on the machinery, overhaul and change the oil on the tractor. Repair broken tines, replace discs and tires. Oh and he watching the weather. The weather just doesn't play a part in the day to day activities on the farm but it's future. Many farmers pay for a given amount of water base for their acerage and needs. This allotment is based on the previous years snowpack or moisture. So during the winter and early spring if the moisture level is lower than normal (like this winter!), he may have to adjust how he plants, what he plants and definately how he is going to get water to his fields.

    Many folks think the ol' farmer just takes the winter off...But you see that there is more that just getting your hands in the dirt!