By Lauren Orme
Photo by Jena Cosimo.
Winter is when Monmouth County’s farmers lay the groundwork for a successful year ahead. While fields may look empty, agriculture remains active throughout the winter months as farmers shift their focus from harvest to preparation. According to the Samaha Farm family, this season is essential for maintaining equipment, reviewing budgets, buying seeds, and for some operations, planning crop rotations that sustain healthy future yields. Some farms continue growing cold-hardy crops like kale, spinach, and broccoli, or remain active in winter farmers’ markets by selling stored produce, honey, and handmade goods. Winter is also a time for planning; an opportunity, when possible, to evaluate and prepare for the busy seasons ahead.
Photo by Ray Shrewsberry on Unsplash .
Stewardship is not seasonal. It is a year-round commitment that ensures the long-term vitality of both the land and the local food system, and caring for the land is a critical winter task. Many farmers plant cover crops including rye and clover to protect against erosion, improve soil health, and replenish nutrients, while others apply manure to enrich fields for spring planting. Farmland requires constant attention, even during its dormant months. Livestock care can also intensify in winter. Farmers work daily to ensure animals have adequate shelter, unfrozen access to water, and enough nutritious feed, often increasing the caloric intake to help cattle, sheep, and horses withstand colder temperatures.
Photo by Jena Cosimo.
Photo courtesy of Triple L Farm’s Mosley Family.
At Triple L Farms in Colts Neck, the Mosley family feels this shift in rhythm as winter settles in. “In the winter months responsibilities begin to lessen a bit,” Luke Mosley says. “The garden gets buttoned up for the winter, the beehives become dormant, and the pastures become sparse. We turn to supplementing our livestock with hay and feed to make sure they are happy until spring.”
The Mosley family’s days still start early and end late, filled with tending to chicken coops to keep water from freezing, processing cattle, and selling their beef at their on-site retail facility. Winter also opens the door for work that is harder to tackle during the growing season, like repairing equipment, maintaining their shop, and planning their business approach for the year ahead. This colder, quieter window gives the Mosleys something rare in farming: a moment to pause.
“The winter gives us a minute to reflect on the year we had, both with our livestock and our venue, and to spend time together as a family.” One of their favorite parts of the season is returning to the antique trucks and tractors they’ve restored over the years, projects that fuel their creativity and connection to the land. “Farming in any season is tough but always rewarding. We are happy to be a part of the agricultural community here in Monmouth County.”
“A farmer’s work is never truly done, but their enduring relationship with the land reflects their passion for that work,” Jena Cosimo, MCF’s Director of Acquisitions, reflects. “Farms protected by conservation easements and supported by Monmouth Conservation Foundation receive ongoing assistance to ensure the land is cared for in every season. It’s work we are incredibly proud to do together.”
Photo by Jena Cosimo.