When people think of farming, they tend to think of it as a spring through late fall season. After all, this is when the tilling and planting begin, the crops grow and ripen all summer, and then they are harvested. But what do farmers do in the winter? Do they grow crops? Wagner Used Equipment offers the best used heavy equipment for sale at our Caterpillar dealer locations in Colorado, New Mexico, and far west Texas. We offer used pavers, backhoes, crushers and screeners, dozers, motor graders, and so much more. We also offer used Ag equipment for farmers, such as combines, hay tools, planters, headers, tractors, and more. Our mission is to ensure you have everything you need to get the job done, whether you are shoring up a road, constructing a multi-family apartment complex, or preparing the land for farming. In addition to offering the heavy equipment to get the job done, we also offer Cat parts for your machinery and a full service department, including field service technicians who can come to you when your machine needs attention. From fluids analysis and online payments, we stay abreast of changing technology to make your life easier. Caterpillar is an innovator in the heavy equipment space, and as the times change, so do we. Below, we'll go over what winter farming looks like. Contact any of our Cat dealers to get started today!

WHAT WINTER FARMING LOOKS LIKE

Preparation Farming is defined as more than just the actual physical planting and cultivation of crops. It is all of the activities and the business surrounding farming, including the raising of livestock. Thus, winter farming entails a lot of preparation for the spring planting season. From ordering seeds to performing routine maintenance on your tractors and other heavy equipment, a farmer has quite a lot to do before spring comes. That's not to say there's not down time. However, a lot of the winter is taken up with prep work. Heavy equipment needs to be winterized, cleaned, and parked for the season. Crop insurance needs to be updated, as do acreage reports. Plus, it's also a time to give attention to home improvement projects that got pushed aside during the busy season. Winter Crops Some farmers, especially in milder parts of the country, such as the South, do plant winter crops. These are crops that do better in colder climates. Some great winter crops to plant include beans, asparagus, peas, pea shoots, garlic, onions, shallots, winter lettuce, broccoli, radishes, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale, and Swiss chard. Now that's a lot to choose from! However, many farmers do take a break from growing crops just to enjoy the down time. Line Up Their Business Affairs Since winter is a slower time of year, it's a good time to catch up on other work, such as business affairs. From applying for a business loan to meeting with your accountant over taxes and land leases, the winter is a great time to get everything in order for spring. They also decide which crops to plant for next year, which is a tougher decision than many think. Market research is involved in the price of crops and which are expected to sell for more in the upcoming months. Known diseases of crops are investigated, and the principles of crop rotation are considered. In addition, budgets are set, and analyzing the numbers, such as cost per acre, is performed as well. Attend Trade Shows or Conferences Since winter is a slower time of year, most of the farming trade shows and conferences take place then. From conferences in Washington D.C, such as the National Association of Wheat Growers Winter Conference to more local conferences in the nearest large city, there are definitely a plethora of activities to participate in. At these conferences, you hear about the latest in farming technology, catch up with other farmers, and get all of your questions answered. Networking is important, and trade shows and conferences are fun, exciting places to share farmer talk. Still Attend to Livestock Winter is not a break for farmers with livestock. In fact, it can be even more work than the summer months. Water troughs have to be kept ice free. Livestock have to be kept warm, as cows can get frostbite quite easily, especially on their ears and teats. Newborn calves are born in the winter months, and if the temperatures get too cold, many farmers bring their baby calves inside their own homes so they don't get too cold. In essence, animals need more care and attention in the cold winter months. Having extra feed on hand will be crucial in case the winter weather becomes so bad that the roads are impassable.

CHOOSE WAGNER USED EQUIPMENT FOR ALL YOUR AG EQUIPMENT NEEDS

Wagner Used Equipment offers the best used heavy equipment for sale, including Ag equipment. We understand that our farmers are the lifeblood of this country, and we do everything we can to ensure they have the heavy equipment, parts, and service they need in order to keep things up and running. From planters and tillage tools to tractors, headers, hay tools, chemical applicators, and more, we ensure you lack for nothing. Our team offers replacement Caterpillar parts when you need them as well as maintenance services. We also offer consignment services, so you can get your heavy equipment sold. We rent heavy equipment, including tractors and more, for your convenience. We have Cat dealers in Colorado, New Mexico, and far west Texas waiting to serve you. Our customers always come first, and we stand by our core values of teamwork, excellence, accountability, safety, integrity, and communication in order to ensure you have exceptional customer service every time. We've been in business since 1976, bringing you top-notch Caterpillar used heavy equipment that helps you serve your customers. We believe we are changing the world by impacting our community as they improve their corner of the world. Reach out to one of our Cat dealers to begin today!