A change of season always brings a change in chores. Whether you’re caring for a flock in the coop, a few animals in the barn, or a backyard garden, a little planning now can save you a lot of scrambling later. Before the weather shifts, it’s worth walking through your property and making sure both your animals and your growing spaces are set up for what’s ahead.
Start With the Animals, Then Move to the Yard
Your animals should always come first on the checklist. If you keep chickens, now is a good time to check that you have enough chicken feed on hand, and to make sure feeders and waterers are clean and in good working order. Chickens are creatures of habit, and a consistent feeding routine helps keep them healthy and laying steadily as conditions change. Larger livestock benefit from the same routine — check your dairy cattle feed in Shippensburg, PA before the season turns to keep herd or flock nutrition steady.
If your household includes smaller companions — rabbits, guinea pigs, dogs, cats, or other backyard favorites — take stock of your pet supplies and small animal supplies too. Bedding, treats, grooming tools, and feed all tend to run low right when you need them most, so restocking before the season turns is easier than making an emergency trip mid-storm.
Once the animals are covered, turn your attention to the garden and the rest of the yard. Beds and containers benefit from fresh soil amendments, and tools that sat idle over the last few months may need a tune-up before they’re back in regular use. Stocking up on garden supplies early — soil, mulch, seed starters, hand tools — means you’re not competing with everyone else for the same items once planting season is in full swing.
It also helps to think about your property as a whole system rather than a list of separate tasks. A well-fed flock, a well-stocked pantry for your smaller pets, and healthy soil in the garden all work together to make the season easier to manage. Walking the property with a checklist in hand — coop, hutch, kennel, garden bed — helps you spot gaps before they become problems.
Don’t forget storage, either. Feed and supplies keep best in a cool, dry, pest-proof space, so it’s worth checking that your storage containers are sealed and your shelving is organized before you bring in a fresh round of supplies. Topping off your farm oil and farm grease before equipment sees heavier seasonal use is worth adding to the same list. An organized space also makes it much easier to notice when something is running low.
Conclusion
Getting ready for a new season doesn’t have to mean an overwhelming to-do list. Break it down by area — coop, hutch, barn, garden — and work through each one a little at a time. Stock up on the essentials, check your equipment, and give your storage a quick once-over. When your animals and your growing spaces are both set up for success, you’ll spend less time reacting to the season and more time enjoying it. And if you’re not sure where to start, your local feed store is always a good first stop for supplies and advice.