As summer fades and the days grow shorter, smallholders and farmers turn their attention to preparing their land, animals, and supplies for the colder months ahead. Autumn is a crucial time for maintenance, feed planning, and ensuring your fields and livestock are in the best condition possible before winter sets in. With a little preparation now, you can make the months ahead much smoother and stress-free.
1. Review your feed and supplies
Autumn grass can be deceptive. Although it often looks lush after late summer rain, it tends to be low in nutrients and energy. Check your feed stocks early and plan ahead for winter feeding. Store hay and feed in a clean, dry place off the ground to prevent damp and spoilage.
Keep an eye on livestock condition scores and adjust rations accordingly. Cattle, sheep, and goats often need additional fibre or mineral licks as grass quality declines. If you keep poultry, consider supplementing with higher-protein feeds to maintain egg production as daylight reduces.
Check feed bins and storage areas for signs of pests. Rodents can quickly contaminate stored feed, so ensure lids fit tightly and traps are in place if necessary.
2. Maintain fencing and field boundaries
Autumn storms and wet weather can test even the strongest fences. Walk your boundary lines and fix loose posts, broken wire, or sagging rails before it becomes a winter emergency. For electric fencing, replace worn tape and check battery-powered energisers are fully charged.
It’s also a great time to trim back overgrown hedges or trees before nesting season begins again in spring. This keeps fields tidy and prevents branches from damaging fencing or blocking access routes.
For paddocks, harrow and roll the ground where possible to smooth hoof prints and encourage drainage. Removing weeds now prevents them from taking over in the growing season next year.
3. Check shelters, barns and water supply
Shelter becomes essential once temperatures drop and winds pick up. Inspect sheds and field shelters for leaks, draughts, or loose panels. Replace broken guttering and ensure roofs are secure before the first heavy storm arrives.
Autumn is also a good time to clean and disinfect animal housing. Use a broad-spectrum disinfectant that’s safe for livestock and poultry. Once cleaned, allow buildings to dry fully before re-bedding.
Check your water troughs daily and repair any slow leaks or blockages. As temperatures dip, consider insulating exposed pipes or adding ball-cock covers to prevent freezing later in the season.
4. Manage pasture health
Rotational grazing remains important through autumn. Move animals regularly to avoid poaching and overgrazing, especially in wet weather. Resting paddocks helps preserve root structure and supports regrowth next spring.
If you have permanent pasture, take soil samples to test pH and nutrient levels. Autumn is an excellent time to apply lime or phosphate fertilisers based on the results. This ensures the land is balanced and ready for strong growth next year.
For horse paddocks or mixed-use fields, consider aerating compacted ground to improve drainage and reduce the risk of standing water and mud fever in equines.
5. Prepare livestock for colder weather
Sheep should be condition scored before tupping season to ensure they’re at the ideal weight. Treat for internal and external parasites, and ensure feet are trimmed and free from rot. Cattle should be checked for lice and treated as necessary before housing.
For pigs, add straw or deep bedding to outdoor arcs and ensure wallows are drained. Poultry housing should be dry, draught-free, and well-ventilated — damp litter quickly leads to respiratory issues.
Review your worming schedule across all livestock types and stock up on essential treatments early to avoid running short mid-season.
6. Improve drainage and manage mud
Few things make winter more difficult than deep mud. Check gateways, water points, and feeding areas where traffic is heaviest. Installing hard-core, matting, or woodchip in these spots can make a huge difference in accessibility and animal welfare.
If you rely on field tracks, now is the time to repair potholes and reinforce soft patches before they worsen. For smallholders using machinery, keeping paths clear ensures feed and bedding can still be transported easily in all weather.
7. Get equipment serviced and ready
From tractors to water pumps, autumn is the perfect window for equipment maintenance. Clean, grease and service machinery while the weather is mild. Check that tyres, filters, and belts are all in good order, and store unused kit under cover to protect it from frost damage.
Don’t forget smaller tools — sharpen blades, oil hinges, and check electric shears and clippers before you need them. A little time spent maintaining now saves frustration later when something fails in the middle of winter.
8. Plan for emergencies
Autumn weather can be unpredictable, so have a plan in place for power cuts, flooding, or heavy snowfall. Keep torches, spare batteries, and a generator if possible. Stock up on essentials such as animal feed, bedding, and bottled water in case access becomes limited.
Make sure everyone on the holding knows where first aid supplies and emergency contacts are kept. For those with livestock, consider how animals can be moved or sheltered quickly if conditions worsen.
9. Take care of wildlife
Your smallholding can be a haven for wildlife in autumn. Leave seed heads, berries, and leaf piles where possible for birds and hedgehogs. If you have a pond, remove excess debris but leave some vegetation for overwintering amphibians.
Providing food and water for wild birds helps maintain local populations through the colder months. Choose feeders that are easy to clean and position them away from livestock pens to avoid contamination.
10. Take stock and reflect
Autumn is a great time to review how your land and animals have performed over the past year. What crops or pasture did well? Which systems saved you time or money? Which areas caused stress or unnecessary labour?
By reflecting now, you can plan practical improvements for spring — whether that’s investing in better fencing, changing feed suppliers, or adjusting stocking rates.
Farm & Field Autumn Checklist
- Stock up on hay, feed and bedding
- Inspect and repair fences and shelters
- Clean and disinfect barns and housing
- Maintain machinery and tools before winter
- Rotate grazing and test soil condition
- Treat livestock for worms and parasites
- Manage gateways and mud-prone areas
- Prepare for storms and cold weather
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Support wildlife on your land
