The end of winter is for growing

For some folks, the end of winter might look like “down time” on a farm. The fields aren’t in full production, the ground isn’t covered in snow anymore. The pace is still slow, and from the outside it can seem like everything is on pause.

But in reality, winter was anything but idle, so all of our “off season” work is pushed to the few days we can squeeze in before planting begins. (Have you started your indoor seeds yet?)

This part of the season is where the bulk of behind-the-scenes work happens—the kind that sets the tone for the entire year ahead. The planning period. It’s a time for organizing supplies, buying this years best seeds for last years plant issues, mapping out planting schedules, reviewing what worked, what sort-of worked and what absolutely-did-not-work. The time to be making intentional plans for growth. It’s also when many of us lean into our communities a little more—showing up, getting involved, and strengthening the relationships that carry agriculture forward.

And maybe most importantly, it’s one of the only windows we get for learning, growth, and connection beyond the day-to-day demands of the growing season.

This can’t be forgotten either: For a lot of farmers, winter also means picking up additional work to help bridge the income gap that naturally comes with a slower production season. It’s a balancing act… keeping things moving financially while still investing time into planning and improving for the future. That balancing act- and the pressure to keep it up- can become too much to deal with for some farmers.

This year, Johnny and I made it a goal to be more intentional about educating ourselves in any aspect within the industry we can. In 2026, we committed to expanding our knowledge wherever we can—whether that’s through classes, conversations, or hands-on experiences. Even in area’s we think we have vast knowledge- there’s always something to be learned.

Personally, I set a goal to simply “say yes” more often—especially when it comes to in-person learning and networking opportunities. It’s easy to pass things up when life is busy, but those are often the exact moments where connections are made and ideas take shape. Maybe this season of my life is meant to be busy. I am blessed to be busy.

That is what led us to attend the Marketing Strategies for Agricultural Businesses workshop hosted by the Charles County Economic Development Department.

The class was taught by Molly Meehan, the Agriculture and Rural Development Manager, who did a fantastic job walking through practical strategies for agricultural businesses at all different stages. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to refine an established operation, there was something valuable to take away. She explained larger marketing concepts and strategies, while also making time for some nitty gritty, use-right-away tips. I especially loved her going over back end website and social media analytics, which I hadn’t even thought about other than just glancing at the numbers and not understanding how they could apply to my actual business.

A lot of what I took away was applicable for our farm business, but also for the non-profit organization I am privileged to work for, the Charles County Farm Bureau. I do a lot of communicating with our membership base, and I was able to take a lot of tips toward communicating with our membership base.

A major point Molly made in her workshop was that much of the marketing done for agribusinesses, is done via cultivating personal relationships. That’s exactly opportunities like a community based agri-marketing class, or growers meetings or county fairs or monthly membership meetings aren’t just about the information. They’re about the people and the relationships we’re cultivating as business owners and growers for our community. Gathering and taking advantage of these community based experiences is about meeting other growers, hearing different perspectives, sharing experiences, and building a network that understands the unique challenges and rewards of agriculture.

As we wrap up this winter season and look ahead to everything spring will bring, one thing feels especially clear:

When you grow off the field, it’s easier to handle what’s growing in the field.

If you’re part of the agricultural community—whether you’re farming, gardening, or just getting started, take advantage of what’s being offered around you. Especially the free, local resources that connect you with others in your area.

You never know which conversation, class, or connection might shape your next season. Or connect you with the contact that will take your business or organization to the next level.

Happy Growing.