In spring, after the long sleep of winter and the awakening of nature, the farm also wakes up. The priority is to prepare the land and facilities for the new season: to repair what has been affected by frost, humidity, and wind, and to prepare fertile and healthy ground for crops and pastures.
General inspection
• Walk through the plots and infrastructure (fences, gates, sheds, access roads) to identify damages, subsidence, fallen branches, animal nests, or flooded areas.
• Check the livestock buildings: floors, drinking troughs, insulation, ventilation, and feeding systems.
Fence and Access Repairs
• Replace rotten posts, tighten wires, and repair gates to secure livestock as soon as they are in the pasture.
• Fill in and compact ruts on farm roads to prevent water stagnation and machinery damage.
Soil Work and Amendments
• Conduct a soil analysis to adjust inputs accordingly.
• Remove winter residues (branches, debris) and harvest straw or stubble if useful.
• Apply organic amendments (composted manure, compost) and corrective measures (lime if pH is too acidic) according to the analysis results.
Seedbed and Planting Preparation
• Prepare seedbeds: leveling, fine crumbling of the soil, removal of large clods.
• Choose sowing dates suitable for the local climate to avoid late frosts.
• Check seeds (germination rate) and seedlings, and treat preventively against specific diseases if necessary.
Maintenance of machinery and tools
• Service tractors and machines: check levels, batteries, tires, filters, blades, and belts.
• Sharpen and lubricate hand tools (shovel, fork, rake) for efficient work and less fatigue.
Health of crops and animals
• Inspect pastures for toxic weeds emerging in spring.
• Provide shelters and shaded areas if the days become hot quickly.
Biodiversity and sustainable practices
• Maintain flower strips and hedges to support beneficial organisms (pollinators, helpful insects) and naturally control pests.
• We limit soil work whenever possible to preserve microbial life and soil structure.
• Plan crop rotation to reduce pest pressure and maintain fertility.
Planning and Safety
• Establish our schedule of priority tasks (drainage, repair, sowing) with taking into account weather windows.
• Record our observations, interventions, and dates — useful for improving practices year after year.
Conclusion: spring is a strategic time: acting well now avoids costly work and losses later. Methodical inspection, targeted repairs, good water and soil management, and proper preparation of sowing and livestock ensure a calm and productive start to the season. That is spring at Domaine Glenton.