February can feel like a breather—but for most farm operations, it’s anything but slow.
This is the time when seed is ordered, fertilizer is lined up, equipment is serviced, and decisions are made that will shape the entire growing season. Long before the planter rolls, cash starts moving out the door—often with no revenue coming back in for months.
That’s why this window before planting season is so important. It’s a chance to protect the progress you made last year and make sure your operation is positioned to handle whatever spring and summer bring.
The most resilient operations don’t rely on a single safeguard. They take a balanced, thoughtful approach to risk management, liquidity, and preparedness—before pressure starts to build.
Here are three smart ways to safeguard your operation—and your legacy—before planting season begins.
1️⃣ Review Your Crop Insurance Early—Before Spring Gets Busy
Crop insurance often feels like something to check off the list. But a thoughtful review—done early—can make a real difference when weather or markets don’t cooperate.
Before deadlines sneak up, take time to look at your coverage with fresh eyes instead of making decisions under pressure. A few important questions to walk through with your agent include:
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Does my coverage still reflect my acreage mix?
New leases, land changes, or prevented planting history can all affect how coverage should be structured.
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Have my APH yields changed?
Strong recent yields may support higher coverage levels—but only if they’re properly reflected.
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Am I insured for today’s input costs?
Higher seed, fertilizer, and chemical expenses mean under-insurance can leave real gaps.
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Do enterprise or optional units still make sense for how I farm today?
An early review gives you time to make informed decisions that match how your operation actually looks—not how it looked a few years ago.
2️⃣ Revisit Your Credit & Working Capital Before Expenses Ramp Up
Spring is when money moves fast. Seed, fertilizer, fuel, and repairs hit long before there’s any income coming back in.
That makes late winter an ideal time to step back and review liquidity—while you still have options.
Some helpful questions to consider:
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Is my operating line sized appropriately for this year’s input costs?
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Do I have enough working capital to absorb price swings or weather setbacks?
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Are there opportunities to refinance short-term debt into longer terms to relieve seasonal pressure?
A proactive credit review can help:
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Ensure operating lines renew smoothly
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Preserve flexibility if margins tighten
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Avoid last-minute financing decisions
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Align your operating plan with a lender who understands your operation year-round
Strong working capital isn’t just a number on a balance sheet—it’s peace of mind during a season that rarely goes exactly as planned.
3️⃣ Build a Financial Cushion—Even a Modest One
No season goes perfectly. The operations that hold up best are the ones that prepare for surprises before they happen.
That doesn’t mean building a massive cash reserve overnight. Even small, intentional steps can make a difference.
Consider strategies like:
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Maintaining some level of cash reserves, even if modest
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Using seasonal operating lines strategically—not as long-term fixes
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Avoiding over-leveraging working capital for capital purchases
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Stress-testing cash flow for lower prices or delayed income
A financial cushion isn’t idle money—it’s flexibility. It allows you to make decisions from a position of strength instead of urgency.
🌾 Ag Banker Insight: What We’re Watching This Year
“As we look ahead to the upcoming season, input cost volatility and weather variability remain top of mind. Even where prices have moderated, cash flow sensitivity is still tight. Operations that build liquidity early and make sure insurance reflects real costs are better positioned to handle surprises.”
✅ A Simple Check-In Before Planting
Protecting what you’ve built takes more than good yields—it takes foresight.
The best risk and financing decisions are usually made when there’s time to think, not when deadlines force quick choices. Before March 15, consider connecting with your ag banker for a seasonal check-in—a conversation to make sure your insurance, credit, and cash position are working together as planting season approaches.
A little preparation now can go a long way once the season is in full swing.