Jobs for the quieter months of the year

In many regions, winter is when growers get to take a well-earned breather. Next season's crop is still a glint in a seed potato's eye, any crops still in are growing slowly and irrigation needs are minimised.

Winter also provides an opportunity for planning next seasons crop, checking equipment and, perhaps most importantly, reviewing the last seasons performance. Which means, there’s still plenty to do around the farm.

According to PotatoLink’s Tasmanian regional representative, Frank Mulcahy, your job list should include:

• How's the weather looking – have you checked the long-term outlook?

• How variable is your soil - have you conducted a soil test?

• Review the performance of your pivots – check operation; maybe cost a variable rate upgrade.

• Think about drainage – needs improvement?

• Manage pests and disease – think about your cover crops or rotations and do a PredictaPT test, especially if you suspect a disease hot spot.

• Seed – how is it looking in store? Is it on track to break dormancy at planting? Is seed supply assured - contact and check.

• Machinery parts – get your gear ready now.