The seasons and work on the farm

Photo: Tuomasmjp_Dreamstime.

In the spring

In the spring the earth is prepared for planting. We call this the spring work. The top level of the earth has to be prepared before we can sow and plant. The earth is turned over, mixed and fertiliseed. Then we sow seeds that will grow to be grass or grain, or we plant potatoes, vegetables and other crops. We use a plough to turn the top layer of earth. Then we harrow the earth to make the surface more even. It there are stones in the soil we remove them.

Fertilising is an important part of the spring work. We use two types of fertiliser: animal manure and chemical fertiliser. We use a tank lorry and a tractor to spread the animal manure. The chemical fertiliser is produced artificially and contains a mixture of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). Chemical fertiliser is spread with a special implement that is mounted on the tractor. We use a seeder to sow grain and grass seed. After sowing we use a heavy roller to press the earth down so it is packed around the seeds.

In the summer

The summer is the time of growth for plants. It is important that the plants have good growing conditions then. They must be watered and weeded regularly. It is also usual to fertilise them again. The plants need moisture, light and even temperatures in order to thrive and grow well. Weeds steal nourishment from the plants and must be removed. The usual procedure is to spray the plants to kill weeds.

Plants can also be unhappy and become sick in the same way that people can. They can be attacked by viruses, bacteria, fungus and harmful insects. It is better to prevent disease than to cure plants from a disease. We prevent disease when we plant healthy seeds and plants and give the plants the right fertiliser and good care.

The majority of farms in Norway cultivate grass. Grass is usually cut in both June and August. There are several ways of treating grass. Some of it is dried to make hay, some is stored in a silo, but most usual is pressing it and packing it in plastic. This last method requires a tractor with packing equipment.

In the autumn

The autumn is a busy time for farmers. They harvest grain, potatoes, vegetables, berries and fruit. On large farms a combine harvester is used to harvest grain. A potato harvester with a belt is usually used to harvest potatoes. Vegetables, fruit and berries are usually harvested by hand. An important part of the work is packing, storing and processing the harvest. Potatoes, vegetables, fruit and berries must be stored at temperatures between 0 and 10 degrees, but cannot tolerate frost. Potatoes need to be stored in the dark. If potatoes get too much light while they are stored, they turn green and cannot be eaten.

In the winter

In the winter there is less outside work. The farmers use this time to work on their storage systems, to plan next year’s growing season and to do maintenance work. Those who have greenhouses cultivate plants to sell in the autumn and spring. In the winter, chopping trees, timber transport and forestry management are important activities. Chopping wood and pruning berry bushes and fruit trees are also types of work done in the winter.