The holiday season is here! A time for family, festivities and maybe a little stress. But while you’re juggling gift lists and gatherings, your fields shouldn’t be feeling the pressure. Winter is the perfect opportunity to set your crops up for success in the coming year. Here are a few agronomy tips to keep your operation calm, cool and ready for spring.
1. Give your soil the gift of knowledge
As the snow piles up, you might be wondering what’s happening beneath the surface. Soil sampling provides a clear picture of nutrient levels and pH, helping you make informed decisions for spring fertilizer applications. Think of it as checking your “wish list” for your fields, what do they really need?
2. Wrap up residue management
Crop residue isn’t just leftover, it’s a resource. Managing residue properly can improve soil structure, reduce erosion, and enhance organic matter. Consider light tillage or leaving residue in place to protect against winter winds and moisture loss. It’s like wrapping your soil in a cozy blanket.
3. Cover crops: The ultimate winter coat
If you planted cover crops this fall, you’re already ahead of the game. Cover crops help prevent nutrient leaching, improve soil health and provide a living root system during the cold months. If you didn’t, now’s the time to plan for next year because sustainability never goes out of season.
4. Plan ahead for inputs
Just like holiday shopping, planning early pays off. Secure seed, fertilizer and crop protection products now to avoid supply chain surprises later. Your CHS agronomy team can help you lock in the right products at the right time.
5. Reflect and reset
The end of the year is a great time to review your agronomic wins and challenges. What worked well? Where can you improve? Use these insights to build a stronger crop plan for 2026.
The Bottom Line
While the holidays may bring hustle and bustle, your fields can stay stress-free with a little preparation. Connect with your local CHS agronomy expert to schedule soil sampling, review input needs, and create a plan that ensures your crops start the new year strong.
