7 Costly Farm Spring Prep Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

March 24, 2025
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Spring is around the corner, and that means one thing—planting season will be here before we know it. After a long winter, the last thing you need is downtime caused by preventable breakdowns, equipment issues, or missed opportunities.

To help you start the season right, we’ve put together the ultimate farm spring prep checklist—because a little planning now means fewer headaches (and more profit) later.

1. Skipping Equipment Maintenance

The Problem: Downtime kills efficiency.

Nothing eats into your planting window like a breakdown. Skipping preseason equipment checks is a surefire way to face costly repairs mid-season.

The Fix:

  • Inspect tractors, planters, sprayers, and tillage equipment.
  • Check and change fluids, filters, and belts.
  • Test GPS and precision ag systems.
  • Book service now to avoid the seasonal rush.

2. Ignoring Soil Conditions

The Problem: Planting in poor soil conditions reduces yield potential.

Spring fever can push farmers into the field too soon, leading to compaction and poor emergence.

The Fix:

  • Test soil moisture before working ground.
  • Adjust tillage strategies based on field conditions.
  • Consider soil sampling to fine-tune fertility plans.

3. Overlooking Planter Calibration

The Problem: Poor seed placement equals uneven emergence.

A miscalibrated planter can cost you yield before the crop even emerges.

The Fix:

  • Inspect meters, depth settings, and downforce.
  • Check seed disc wear and replace if needed.
  • Run test passes to confirm spacing and singulation.

4. Not Prepping Your Sprayer

The Problem: Wasting inputs and risking ineffective applications.

Clogged nozzles and inaccurate rates can lead to uneven spray coverage and reduced effectiveness.

The Fix:

  • Inspect and clean nozzles, hoses, and filters.
  • Check boom height and coverage settings.
  • Calibrate your sprayer for optimal efficiency.

5. Forgetting to Check Seed & Chemical Inventory

The Problem: Delays in the busiest time of year.

You don’t want to be stuck scrambling to find seed or herbicide when planting starts.

The Fix:

  • Review your inventory and order any missing products early.
  • Double-check seed treatment needs.
  • Confirm chemical availability with your supplier.

6. Ignoring Weather Trends

The Problem: Bad timing can cost you yield.

Weather drives everything in farming, and being reactive instead of proactive can set you back.

The Fix:

  • Monitor long-term forecasts.
  • Plan for wet vs. dry conditions with backup strategies.
  • Adjust planting dates accordingly to maximize emergence.

7. Not Having a Backup Plan

The Problem: The unexpected WILL happen.

Mother Nature, supply chain issues, and breakdowns can all throw a wrench in your plans.

The Fix:

  • Identify key risk areas and prepare solutions.
  • Have backup parts on hand.
  • Lean on trusted dealers like AgWest for fast support.

Ready to Tackle Spring Like a Pro?

At AgWest, we’re here to help you start strong and stay ahead. Whether it’s service, parts, or precision ag support, we’ve got your back.

Need help getting your equipment field-ready? Contact AgWest today!