United Co-op Tips & Tricks

Winter often subjects dogs to cold, ice, and chemicals, requiring owners to protect their pets by limiting their outdoor time. Use booties and coats for vulnerable animals such as small, short-haired, senior, or sick pets and protect their paws from salt. Additionally, provide warm shelter and water, and be mindful of dangerous temperatures — below 32°F is risky and below 20°F is dangerous for most. Hypothermia and frostbite are risks, so watch for shivering, anxiety, or lifted paws, and prioritize indoor exercise on harsh days.

Once soil samples are pulled and results are in, the next step is putting that information to work. Understanding soil test results allows producers to fine-tune fertilizer plans, prioritize inputs, and make confident decisions before spring planting begins. These soil samples tell a story, but only if you know how to read the results.

With the start of the New Year comes the start of a new harvest season. Take the time now to build your budget for the 2026 season and set your operation up for a successful year ahead.

Winter is the perfect time to dig into what’s happening below the surface of your fields. Pulling soil samples during the winter can help you plan smarter, manage inputs more efficiently, and head into spring with confidence. The fields are cleared and unused, making the soil conditions ideal for collecting accurate samples.

Winter tends to bring unique challenges for farmers. Especially when it comes to managing our muddy soils, and excess of moisture in your soil. Add the heavy foot traffic your livestock, and the manure buildup can quickly turn barns, lots, and walkways into problem areas if not managed effectively.

When temperatures plunge, your animal’s health should be top priority. The cold can be hard on pets and working animals, which makes winter preparedness essential to avoid weather-related health issues.

Winter weather can catch anyone off guard if they aren’t prepared. As cold weather increases so does the need for supplemental heat and backup power on farms across Tennessee. Firewood, heaters, and generators play a critical role during winter; using these tools safely is just as important as having them ready when temperatures drop.

Winter might slow things down in the field, but it doesn’t mean progress has to stop. In fact, the quieter months are the ideal time to take a closer look at crop nutrition and start building a plan that sets your 2026 crops up for success.

Protecting pipes, fencing, and equipment is an essential part of winter preparation for any small farm or rural property. Cold temperatures, freezing moisture, and harsh weather can cause costly damage if preventative steps aren’t taken early. A little time spent preparing now can help avoid repairs and downtime when winter weather hits.

As temperatures dip and days get shorter, winter prep becomes one of the most important tasks for any small farm. A little planning in late fall can make the cold months smoother, safer, and far less stressful — for both people and livestock. Here are a few practical steps to help you get ready before the first hard freeze sets in.

Marketing your farm products locally is one of the most effective ways to build a loyal customer base, increase sales, and strengthen your community ties. The key is to connect directly with the people who value fresh, local, and trustworthy food.

As summer fades and the pace of farm life begins to slow, fall offers an ideal window to take on practical and rewarding barn projects. With harvest wrapping up and cooler weather settling in, this season provides the perfect conditions for repairs, organization, and improvements that will pay off when winter arrives.

There’s nothing quite like the burst of color that mums bring to porches, gardens, and front steps in the fall. Their vibrant yellows, oranges, purples, and reds feel like a celebration of the harvest season.

Harvest is one of the busiest and most stressful times of the year. With long days, heavy workloads, and the push to get crops in before the weather turns, it can be tempting to cut corners on combine maintenance or safety checks. But a little extra attention goes a long way in protecting both your machine and the people working around it.

Pumpkins can be used for lots more than just autumn décor. These hardy gourds are versatile, nutritious, and surprisingly useful around the house.

 If you have an abundance of pumpkins this fall, here are some fun and practical ways to put them to good use that don’t require a pie plate.