Happy new year, friends! You may have asked yourself when you drive by a farm covered in frost and snow “What do farmers do during the winter?” It is easy to assume that the winter is a slow time for farmers, especially for a lavender farmer, but this could not be further from the truth!
Like many farmers around the country, winter work is just as important to a farm’s success as the months spent out in the field. Our field of lavender is resting (dormant) and will not produce any new growth this winter. However, while we’re not out in the field, winter is a great time to work on tasks that will help us reach new goals in the seasons to come.
Winter Tasks That Keep Us Busy:
1 – Maintenance
From a lovely lavender plant to an all-natural product, there is a long sequence of behind the scene work. One of the biggest winter responsibilities for lavender farmers like ourselves is equipment maintenance. The winter season is our time to ensure all tractors and equipment are running smoothly and in good shape for the busy season. Staying on top of this in the winter months helps to avoid problems in the new year.
Taking care of our farm equipment goes beyond standard maintenance. While we are very blessed to live in the majestic mountains surrounded by many big trees, this can pose a threat to our farming equipment in the event a tree falls on the farm. For that reason, we spend a good amount of time clearing out trees and branches so that production can continue to run smoothly!
2 – Research and Development
We are always looking to improve and learn on our farm. During the winter we spend countless hours testing, improving, and creating new products to offer our amazing customers in the spring. We always appreciate suggestions from our customers, and we thank you for sharing your ideas with us! While we still have responsibilities on the farm, the colder months are an excellent opportunity to relax, catch up on new research and plan the busy season with our best foot forward!
3 – Planting Seeds for the Future
Last autumn we propagated several hundred lavender plants. During the winter months we take the opportunity to give our lavender babies some tender loving care in the nursery of our greenhouse. Stay strong lavender babies, spring will be here soon!
4 – Knowledge is Power
Continuous improvement means constant learning. Winter is a time to analyze what did and didn’t work in past seasons. We take this time to find new things to try and decide what to grow for the new year. We also attend agricultural classes, where we will learn about the latest technology and best agricultural biodiversity practices for our environment.
Like many of you at this time, we reflect on the past and begin to contemplate the future that will unfold in the months to come. For us, winter serves as a reminder to tend to the tasks that will help us reach our goals—whether environmental or economic—in the seasons to come.
Your health and continued satisfaction will be foremost in our minds and hearts. It is our goal to carry on our lavender fam’s mission: Bring good health and well-being to your life. Thank you, friends. Cheers to a new year!
