5 Fall Challenges for Homesteaders and How to Manage Them
Martin Banks 11.17.23
Fall is a busy time for homesteaders as it’s time to prepare your land for winter. Once the cold snaps arrive, doing work around your property becomes more challenging. Now is the time to get busy and ensure your farm is ready when temperatures dip below freezing. While winter preparation is necessary, it can be taxing for the average homesteader. Here are five homesteading challenges in the fall and recommendations for dealing with them.
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The first challenge is something you don’t have much control over. Daylight saving time (DST) ends in early November, setting most Americans back an hour. While many enjoy the extra hour of sleep, DST means the sun sets much earlier than it did in the summer. Daylight is critical for completing outdoor tasks and you don’t want to be in the dark if you can avoid it.
Manage DST by adjusting your schedule with the time change. Shift your daily chores back at least an hour to beat the sunset and keep your animals comfortable. Research shows animals enjoy their daily routine, so ease your cows and chickens into the time shift.
While time change can be difficult for animals, their most significant concern will be the cold weather. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says El Niño will bring above-average temperatures in most of the country in 2023-2024, which is good news for northern climates. Still, the harsh winter storms will make the season dangerous for your animals. Some species tolerate the cold better than humans. Still, take these precautionary measures to ensure their safety in the fall and winter:
You’ll also need protection from the cold, so fortifying your house ahead of the cold weather is essential for comfort all season. Here are a few ways to make your home safe and secure in harsh conditions:
Like your animals, your vehicles will need attention this fall. Transitioning to cold weather negatively affects your cars, trucks and SUVs, so prepare your vehicles in the fall with these tips so they’re ready for the first freezes of winter:
Colder weather means more time spent inside, so fall is an excellent time to declutter and make room for the things you need to bring indoors. Start with the barn and shed and make your way around the property. Ask your friends and family if they want something of yours before you throw it away. Alternatively, you could sell your items on online classifieds and make some extra cash.
Using Fall for Safer Winters
Fall is a welcome sign for those awaiting relief from the hot summer. The season brings harvest time and holiday cheer, but it also comes with challenges for homesteaders. Fall weather may be short-lived before heavy snowfall arrives, so complete these five fall tasks to prepare for the winter.
