What do the four different seasons mean to Dairy Farmers in Ontario; everything really!
Spring – Timing is everything. In the spring the farmers wait to prepare the fields and plant their crops. Essentially they are planning out the meal plan for the cows for the next year. They have to determine how much grass(hay) to grow? How much corn? How much, or how many grains? They have to consider the type of soil; which crop will have the best yield in that particular soil. The decisions and timing of when the seeds go in the ground is important for the best results.
Summer – Where is the rain? Just like anyone growing anything, each crop requires a combination of moisture and sunlight to get the best results. I have never met a farmer yet who controls the weather; so talk about taking it as it comes. Some parts of the county can get a great combination and have great yields, where other parts can be dry or too wet and the yield is not so good!
Fall – Now that most crops like; beans, grains, and corn have had all summer to grow it is harvest time! This is where the farmers collect the efforts of all their hard work along with whatever weather was thrown at them. The trick is to get the harvest around the fall weather.
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Winter – What is going on with the soil here? I have heard several thoughts on the winter and the effects on the soil. Is the soil covered in snow? Is it able to breakdown and replenish itself to start all over again next year?
You see, all the seasons have a huge effect on the outcome on the quality and quantity of the crops that in turn will have a huge impact of the quality and quantity of the milk a dairy cow will milk that year.
Next time you are talking to a farmer; thank them for their efforts in doing the best they can to run their business with whatever weather is thrown at them.
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