February on the Farm

What makes February different?

By February, feed and firewood supplies may be dwindling, and weather can be unpredictable. In some places it is bitterly cold, and in others it is wet and muddy.

Check local conditions with your county extension office. Know what is normal for your area before you act on any general advice. Late winter can feel longer than the rest, because you are tired of the cold but the work of spring has not yet begun. Pace yourself accordingly. Take notes now about what worked and what did not this winter, while it is fresh, and use them to plan next year.

How do you check supplies?

Take stock of hay, grain, firewood, fuel and food. Order what you need before it becomes scarce or roads are bad. Check animal and household medicines and first-aid supplies.

If you are running low on feed or money, ask for help early. Your extension office or local farm service agency can point to resources. Put supplies in order of what you will run out of first, and make one list for the next store trip so you are not making repeated drives on bad roads. Be honest about whether you can afford to carry the animals you have through to spring grass. If feed is short, ask your vet, extension office or a trusted neighbor for advice before animals lose condition.

• Hay and feed on hand
• Firewood and heating fuel
• First aid and medicines
• Water supply and freeze protection

What about animals at this time of year?

In some regions, animals give birth in late winter. Birthing can happen in cold and mud, and animals need clean, dry places and watchful care. Know when to call your veterinarian.

Keep up with water, shelter and feed. Watch for signs of illness, and contact a vet promptly. Keep calving or lambing supplies, clean towels, gloves and your vet's number where you can find them quickly, even at night, if you expect births. Watch newborn animals carefully in cold or wet weather, and call your veterinarian early instead of waiting if something looks wrong.

How do you handle mud and ice?

Mud and ice create risks for people and animals. Falls are common, and vehicles can get stuck. Keep gates and paths in good repair, and add gravel or traction where needed.

Move carefully and wear good boots. Avoid working alone in dangerous footing, and tell someone your plans. Fix muddy gateways and high-traffic spots with gravel when the ground allows, and keep an eye on foot health for livestock in wet conditions. Be careful hauling feed and hay across wet or icy ground, and avoid overloading vehicles and trailers that could slide.

What can you plan and start?

February is a good time to plan the garden and start some seeds indoors where local timing suits. Check recommended dates for your area with your extension office, since planting too early can fail.

Review tools and equipment, and prepare for the busy months ahead. Set up a schedule for spring jobs. Do not rush the garden. A warm week in February can be followed by a hard freeze, and tender plants may not survive. Sharpen, oil and repair hand tools now, so they are ready for the first warm days.

How do you stay safe and healthy?

Cold and flu season continues. Wash hands, rest and see a doctor if you are ill. Keep an eye on elderly neighbors and family.

Keep heating equipment safe, with working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Never run engines in closed spaces. Check that your carbon monoxide and smoke alarms work, since heating season is at its peak and many house fires start with heating equipment. Keep a few days of shelf-stable food and a safe way to prepare it, in case a late storm cuts power or closes roads.

How do you cope with the long stretch of winter?

Winter fatigue is real. Keep up routines, get outside in daylight, stay in touch with others and eat well. Small things to look forward to help.

If you feel hopeless or in crisis, talk with someone you trust and call or text 988 in the US. You are not alone, and spring does come. Plan something to look forward to, such as a visit, a seed catalog evening or a short trip, and keep contact with friends and family. Take time to rest, laugh with friends and notice the lengthening light. Spring is near, even if it does not feel that way.

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Rural Farm Life Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.