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 the pace of spring sets in. A few areas deserve particular attention:
- Rented acreage and lease agreements. Whether you are farming rented ground or leasing land to someone else, coverage should clearly reflect that arrangement. Liability and crop responsibilities can shift depending on who controls the property and how it is used.
- Farm liability limits. As activity increases in spring, so does exposure. Employees, custom work, equipment on the road, and livestock all carry risk. It is worth confirming that liability limits still match today’s realities.
- Crop insurance. Many crop insurance deadlines fall early in the year. February is often the last opportunity to review coverage levels, update yield histories, and make adjustments before planting begins.
- Equipment values. Machinery costs have climbed significantly. Tractors, planters, and combines purchased years ago may be worth more to replace than many policies reflect. An annual review helps avoid being underinsured.
- Barns and outbuildings. Winter weather can take a toll on roofs and structures. Before spring storms arrive, it is smart to confirm coverage amounts and address any maintenance concerns.
Missouri agriculture has always been built on long-term thinking. Farmers plan months ahead, sometimes years ahead, because they know preparation makes the difference between a smooth season and a stressful one. Insurance fits into that same mindset. It is not about expecting the worst. It is about being ready if it happens.
At LCM Insurance Agency Inc., we work with farm families across Missouri to make sure coverage keeps pace with the way they operate. If you would like to review your farm policy before the rush of planting season begins, we are here to help. Through all the seasons and all the reasons you need us, we are ready when you are.
