What Do Farmers Do While Watching Their Crops Grow?
The growing season is one of the most critical and labor-intensive times of the year for farmers. This period, spanning from planting to harvest, involves a wide variety of tasks essential to ensuring a healthy crop yield and smooth farm operation. While much of a farmer’s focus during this time is, understandably, on crop management, building maintenance also plays a key role in overall farm sustainability. JMI Reports specializes in identifying risks associated with farm properties, helping farmers address these challenges effectively.
Together, these efforts ensure the farm remains productive, protected, and ready to meet the demands of the season and beyond.
Key Activities During the Growing Season
1. Monitoring Crop Health
Farmers actively scout their fields to detect issues like insect infestations, plant diseases, or nutrient deficiencies. By observing how crops are progressing through various growth stages, farmers can make informed decisions about when and how to apply critical inputs like water, fertilizer, or pesticides.
In recent years, many farmers have adopted modern technologies, such as drones and aerial imagery, to enhance crop monitoring efforts. These tools provide real-time insights into crop health across wide areas, allowing for more targeted and efficient management.
2. Equipment Maintenance
Farmers rely heavily on machinery during the growing season, so equipment maintenance is essential to avoid costly breakdowns and delays. The following activities should be prioritized:
Inspecting tractors, sprayers, and irrigation systems.
Cleaning and servicing equipment to prevent costly breakdowns.
Calibrating machinery for accurate application of fertilizers and chemicals.
Proper equipment care not only boosts performance and longevity but also contributes to the safety, efficiency, and overall success of farm operations.
3. Building Maintenance
Although farmers are especially busy during the growing season, they cannot overlook the maintenance of farm buildings. Well-maintained buildings are vital for safe storage, shelter, and day-to-day operations. Problems such as roof damage, structural wear, or pest infestations can compromise safety, affect productivity, lower product quality, and even jeopardize the insurability of the property.
Farmers routinely inspect barns, sheds, greenhouses, and storage facilities for signs of wear and damage. Common maintenance tasks include:
Patching leaks in roofs or walls to prevent water damage
Replacing broken boards or doors to maintain structural integrity
Repairing fences to protect crops and livestock
While major construction projects are typically reserved for the off-season, smaller repairs are completed throughout the year to prevent larger issues from developing.
4. Safety, Liability, and Regulatory Considerations
Safety is a top priority, especially in buildings where chemicals, fuel, or machinery are stored. Farmers routinely check fire extinguishers, first-aid kits, and emergency exits. Proper labeling and secure storage of hazardous materials help reduce risk and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
In addition to protecting property and crops, understanding potential liability exposures related to buildings and equipment is also important. These may include:
Faulty structures
Inadequate lighting
Poorly maintained workspaces
These factors can all contribute to increased risk for injury or loss—making proactive inspections critical steps to address them before they become larger problems.
Planning Ahead With Inspections
The growing season offers an ideal opportunity for farmers to conduct comprehensive inspections of their property. JMI Reports provides specialized services to identify risks related to building maintenance and safety—helping farmers prioritize repairs now and plan for larger improvements during the off-season.