When the Cold Comes: How We Prepare Our Farm (and Hearts) for Winter
As the days grow shorter and the temperatures start to dip here in Royse City, Texas, we know it’s time to prepare our farm for winter. Life on a small family farm is a rhythm that changes with the seasons, and winter requires extra care for our animals, crops, and daily routines.
At Hullabaloo Farms, winter prep is more than chores — it’s a way to protect the farm we love and make sure our animals and plants thrive through the cold months. Here’s a glimpse into what we do to get ready.
🐄 Caring for Our Animals
Our animals are family, and keeping them warm and healthy is a top priority:
Shelter & Bedding: We add extra straw and blankets to barns and pens so our goats, chickens, and other animals stay cozy.
Water & Food: Cold weather can freeze water quickly, so we check waterers multiple times a day and make sure there’s plenty of feed to keep everyone nourished.
Routine Health Checks: Winter can be stressful for livestock, so we pay close attention to their condition and behavior to catch any issues early.
🌿 Protecting Plants & Crops
Even a small farm has to think about plants and winter growth:
Cover Crops & Mulching: We add straw and leaves around tender plants to insulate roots and preserve soil warmth.
Greenhouse Prep: Our greenhouse gets a little extra attention — checking for drafts, covering pots, and planning winter planting so we still have fresh herbs and veggies.
Garden Cleanup: We harvest remaining crops, save seeds, and compost old plants to keep nutrients cycling back into the soil for spring.
🛠️ Equipment & Farm Maintenance
Winter is the perfect time to make sure everything is in working order:
Repairing Fences & Structures: Cold, wet weather can make small issues worse, so we check fences, gates, and roofs before the deep freeze hits.
Tool & Equipment Care: Tractors, wheelbarrows, and other tools get cleaned, oiled, and stored so they’re ready for the new year.
Stocking Supplies: Extra feed, hay, bedding, and winter gear for the farm crew are gathered so we’re not caught off guard by a cold snap.
🏡 Preparing for Cozy Days Ahead
Winter on the farm isn’t just about work — it’s about slowing down and embracing the season:
Planning Winter Projects: Soap-making, crafting, and other indoor work help us stay productive when outdoor chores are limited.
Stocking the Pantry: We preserve jams, pickles, and baked goods to enjoy through the season.
Family & Faith Time: Shorter days mean more time together, sharing meals, and appreciating the small joys of farm life.
🌾 Embracing the Season
Preparing for winter is a mix of careful planning, hard work, and love for the land and animals we care for every day. Each task, from stacking hay to wrapping tender plants, is part of the rhythm of the farm and the life we cherish here at Hullabaloo Farms.
Even in the colder months, the farm is alive with purpose, and there’s beauty in every quiet, frosty morning — a reminder that every season has its own gift to share.
