Six winter care tips for your tractors

Jan 02, 2024

With the arrival of winter, it’s crucial to prepare your tractor for the cold months ahead. Whether you’re using it for snow removal or regular farm tasks, proper winter care ensures your tractor starts and operates safely in sub-zero temperatures.

Small Farm Canada offers six steps to shield your tractor from winter woes:

Optimal Parking: The first step is to park your tractor in the warmest possible place. A heated garage is ideal, but if that’s not available, choose an open, sunny location facing east. This helps keep the tractor relatively warm through solar radiation.
Regular Maintenance: Regular maintenance is key. Warm up the engine for 5-10 minutes before starting chores or tasks to prevent wear and tear. Regularly inspect rubber parts like hoses and belts, as they are prone to cold damage. Check the tires for corrosion and maintain the correct air pressure.
Appropriate Fuel and Oil: Using winter-appropriate fuel and engine oil is essential. In cold temperatures, diesel fuel can gel and clog filters. Winter fuel and oil keep the engine’s moving parts well-lubricated, even in extreme cold. Always consult your tractor’s manual to choose the right products.

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Video: Dicamba Returns for Georgia Farmers: What the New EPA Ruling Means for Cotton Growers

After being unavailable in 2024 due to registration issues, dicamba products are returning for Georgia farmers this growing season — but under strict new conditions.

In this report from Tifton, Extension Weed Specialist Stanley Culpepper explains the updated EPA ruling, including new application limits, mandatory training requirements, and the need for a restricted use pesticide license. Among the key changes: a cap of two ½-pound applications per year and the required use of an approved volatility reduction agent with every application.

For Georgia cotton producers, the ruling is significant. According to Taylor Sills with the Georgia Cotton Commission, the vast majority of cotton planted in the state carries the dicamba-tolerant trait — meaning farmers had been paying for technology they couldn’t use.

While environmental groups have expressed concerns over spray drift, Georgia growers have reduced off-target pesticide movement by more than 91% over the past decade. Still, this two-year registration period will come with increased scrutiny, making stewardship and compliance more important than ever.