Prepare your mindset. While it’s true that no one knows exactly what will happen with weather and markets during 2024, it’s also the case that there are certain things you do have control over in your operation. Choosing to focus on what’s within your control as a farm leader instead of becoming focused on aspects that aren’t, will help you stay motivated and positive no matter what is going on with weather and markets. This means being proactive about what you can do while letting go of worry and anxiety about aspects that aren’t within your control.

Prepare your team. Make sure each person on your farm’s team is prepared for what the spring season will be like. This is especially important if they haven’t worked on a farm during planting before – or if they haven’t worked in your operation during spring before. Every farm operation does things a little differently, and that includes planting season processes. Make sure your farm team knows – and are committed to following – safety procedures to keep everyone safe and everything running smoothly during planting.

Prepare your business. When you, the farm leader, are focused on ensuring an efficient and timely planting season, the business of the farm can sometimes start to take a backseat. You can proactively set things up to already be ahead on your business work once the busyness of planting season begins. Take time now to set up anything that can help you remember any important paperwork, deadlines or meetings that are coming up during the growing season. Then work to get everything completed to the extent that you can right now. Also try to make any major business decisions now that can be made before planting season starts.