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Farm owners in Little Falls, MN typically look at the calendar with a sigh of relief when winter is ending. You’re happy to be shedding the bulky winter coats and looking forward to spending time working on the farm in warmer weather. However, summer on the farm comes a lot of preparations, many of which include making sure the winter didn’t cause too much damage to the farm, your home, and the outbuildings. Hanneken Insurance Agency Inc. has put together a few tips to help you prepare your farm for the summer.
Inspect Outbuildings
The first and one of the most important things to do when preparing your farm for the summer is to inspect all of the buildings on your property including outbuildings, barns, and your home. Winter weather can do significant damage to roofing materials, windows, doors, insulation, and siding, so it’s essential that you check for leaks; both water and air, which can lead to increased energy costs. Preparing the buildings on your property for summer means assessing damages and allowing yourself enough time to make repairs.
Check Irrigation System
As a farm owner, the irrigation system is typically an important feature for ensuring the crops and lawn has access to plenty of water. The freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on the irrigation system, so it’s important to ensure all aspects of the system survived the winter intact. The first thing to do is to remove the freeze caps from faucets and turn the water on. If there is only a trickle of water, it may due to an issue with the pipes, such as a crack that is causing water to leak. If you notice any issues with the irrigation system, it may be best to contact a professional to do a comprehensive inspection and a maintenance tune-up on the system.
The key to keeping your farm operating at full function is the equipment, including tractors, animal feeding equipment, and lawn equipment. It’s important to inspect and clean each piece of equipment before use. Be sure to check the fuel to make sure water hasn’t gotten into the tanks, fill all fluids, and perform required maintenance tasks.
Residents of Little Falls, MN interested in learning more information about farm insurance or upgrading current policies should contact Hanneken Insurance Agency Inc.