Prepare Your Land and Equipment For Spring

Now that spring has arrived, it’s important for every farmer to ensure that all their systems are ready to go. After lying dormant in storage for months over the winter, your equipment will need some attention. Your land, too, requires some preparatory work to make it more suitable for tilling and planting crops.

FMI Equipment is your eastern Washington farm equipment dealer, located in Spokane Valley. Below, we’ve outlined how you can get both your land and your farm equipment prepared for spring planting.

1. Test Soil

It’s helpful after winter to test the soil where you intend to plant to make sure it has the right pH levels and sufficient nutrients. Take some soil samples and test them yourself with a kit at home or send them to a lab. The results will tell you what nutrients may need to be added to ensure flourishing crops. Nutrients may include nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, which many fertilizers will add.

2. Inspect Equipment

Now it’s time to look over all your machinery and make sure that everything is in good condition. You never want to use a piece of farm equipment that’s in disrepair, as this could result in a serious accident. Your first order of business will likely be giving them a wash so that you can more clearly see any problems. Check brakes, lights, batteries and tire pressure.

3. Perform Maintenance

Once you’ve determined there are no glaring issues (or set aside equipment that needs major repairs), you can go about maintaining farm equipment, including lubricating moving parts, topping up engine fluids, replenishing fuel, airing up tires, sharpening blades and changing oil and filters. Check the owner’s manual for each piece of equipment to receive more specific guidelines on necessary maintenance.

Need a professional to take a look at some of your farm equipment? Get in touch with the FMI Equipment service department to schedule a maintenance appointment. We’ll address any issues you’re having and get you back to work in a flash.

4. Prepare Land

Now you can start to till your land and prepare for planting. You likely already selected the crops you intend to plant during the winter, so you can begin tilling and cultivating the soil for these. This is the time to add that fertilizer and ensure that your soil is as healthy as possible to receive seeds.

Seeking farm equipment near Spokane, WA? Stop by our dealership in Spokane Valley, WA< today to check out our fine stock of new and used farm equipment for sale. We can also provide you with rental options and financing options. FMI Equipment proudly serves greater Spokane, WA, as well as our neighbors in Coeur d'Alene, ID.