February in Missouri has a quiet look to it. Fields are resting. Fence lines are still. From the road, it can seem like nothing much is happening. But step inside a machine shed or pull up a chair at the kitchen table, and you will see that planning season is in full swing. In agriculture, this is where the year really begins. Across Missouri, farmers are already laying the groundwork for spring. Soil samples are being pulled and tested to determine fertilizer needs. Seed orders for corn, soybeans, and wheat are being finalized. Herbicides and inputs are secured before availability tightens. Equipment is being repaired, cleaned, and calibrated. When the ground is ready, there is no time to waste on breakdowns that could have been prevented in February. Producers are also watching the markets, making decisions on stored grain from last fall’s harvest. These choices help shape cash flow for the year ahead. It may be winter on the calendar, but it is preparation season in practice. Orchards and specialty growers are busy as well. Late February is a good time for pruning apple trees, grapes, and bramble fruits. On warmer days, dormant oil sprays are applied to protect against insects before growth begins. Vegetable growers are starting hardy plants indoors, and some producers are planning cover crops to protect soil health heading into spring. Livestock operations are anything but slow this time of year. Many farms are in the middle of calving and lambing season, which requires close monitoring and quick response to changing weather conditions. Pasture decisions are made carefully, especially during early green up, when grazing too soon can damage forage for the rest of the year. While all of this planning is taking place, February is also a wise time to review farm insurance coverage before...