What Do Farms Do in the Winter?
It’s no secret that a lot of farms in Connecticut closed their doors for winter months, but that doesn’t mean they are sitting back vacationing. In fact, most farms are working harder than ever in the winter trying to prepare for the warmer months ahead. Let’s check out some of the different things our Connecticut farms tackle in these winter months!
Indoor Farming!
Some farms in Connecticut have greenhouses that are vital to sustaining CT Grown products throughout the year. Last counted, Connecticut had 12.7 million square feet of commercial greenhouses. The farms that use these greenhouses in the winter months will likely sell products in their farm stores or at winter farmers markets through the colder months.
Some of the great options that greenhouses provide are cut flowers, potted plants, indoor foliage, and bedding/garden plants. Additionally, some of the larger greenhouses in Connecticut have other protective methods for fruits and vegetables such as hoop houses, row covers, and high tunnels that help warm the soil and shelter crops from the wind and cold.
Crops that can be found throughout the year thanks to the greenhouses and other protective structures include: arugula, beets, broccoli, cucumbers, eggplant, greens, herbs, kale, lettuce, radishes, scallions, spinach, tomatoes, and more!
Many farms also sell delicious options that include: relish, pickles, jam, honey, tomato sauce, salsa, honey, cider, wine, beer, and more!
Learn more about Connecticut greenhouses here!
Dairy, Dairy, Dairy!
We had the opportunity to speak with Kaylee from Oakridge Dairy LLC in Ellington, who articulated that in the winter months, the biggest thing they do is monitor all the cows and calves to ensure they are not too cold and their water isn’t frozen. In order to do this, she states, “We put blankets on our calves, give them some extra straw bedding and ensure their water does not freeze. In the main dairy barn, we will put curtains down over the windows if it gets super cold out.” She adds that they don’t keep all of the fans on during the winter months.
Since these cows are able to stay warm and protected during the winter months, dairy farms can thrive in their production of milk, cheese, butter, yogurt and more!
You can check out more from Oakridge Dairy LLC by clicking here!
Maple Sugaring!
Any maple syrup lovers here?! We certainly are, and the winter months are where farmers work harder than ever to produce this tasty product! Maple sugar season typically takes place early February through late March due to the mixture of warmer days and freezing nights. However, producers have to make preparations well in advance such as deciding which maple trees to tap and also collect plenty of firewood for the sugarhouse.
Stay tuned for our Maple Sugaring Season blog coming in a few weeks to learn more about this process!
