FEB 1, 2026
Spring is Coming Soon...Maybe
Spring Prep Starts Early: Getting Your Land, Livestock & Supplies Ready for the Season Ahead
In Central Washington, spring doesn’t arrive all at once. One day brings sun and soft ground, the next a hard frost and wind sweeping down the valley. But seasoned ranchers and rural homeowners know this truth well: the most successful spring seasons start with preparation long before the grass turns green.
As daylight slowly stretches and chores shift, now is the perfect time to take stock of what worked last year — and what needs attention before the busy months arrive.
1. Pasture & Ground Check: Small Fixes, Big Payoff
Before turnout season begins, walk your pastures and property.
- Look for winter damage like broken fencing, washouts, or muddy high-traffic areas.
- Plan reseeding early! Central Washington’s growing window is short, and timing matters.
- Rotate grazing areas if possible to give stressed ground a chance to recover.
A little effort now can mean stronger forage and fewer headaches later.
2. Livestock Health: Transition Thoughtfully
Spring transitions can be tough on animals if rushed.
- Gradually adjust feed as forage availability changes.
- Schedule health checks, vaccinations, and deworming before workload increases.
- Watch body condition closely. Weight loss often hides under winter coats.
Healthy animals going into spring are better prepared for breeding, work, and turnout.
Spring always arrives faster than expected.
- Inspect gates, panels, water systems, and feeders now.
- Take inventory of feed, minerals, fencing supplies, and hardware.
- Replace worn tools before you’re short on time or patience.
Planning ahead keeps you working efficiently when schedules fill up.
For many families, spring means chicks, lambs, calves, or garden starts.
- Make sure brooders, shelters, and fencing are ready before animals arrive.
- Stock up on the right feeds and bedding early.
- Consider predator prevention — spring brings new wildlife activity too.
Preparation helps ensure new life gets the strong start it deserves.
Spring in the Kittitas Valley has a way of reminding us why we chose this lifestyle. The longer days, fresh starts, and the shared rhythm of rural work are as rewarding as they are time-consuming. Whether you’re planning your busiest season yet or easing into warmer days, having the right supplies and support makes all the difference.
Stop by Old Mill Country Store to get ready for what’s ahead, and don’t hesitate to ask our team for local insight and recommendations. We’re always happy to help.
Here’s to a productive, well-prepared season ahead!
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