Farmers catch the last window for fall plowing in South Easthope

Sebastopol’s Jim McGregor works through light snowfall with his Case IH four-wheel-drive and seven-furrow Kverneland plow, making the most of late-season conditions in South Easthope Township. Gary West photo

By Gary West

Two South Easthope Township farmers made the most of a narrow weather window Tuesday afternoon as light snow fell across Line 29 west of Sebastopol. Working side by side, Jim McGregor and Andrew Danen were busy turning over the top four inches of soil, taking advantage of conditions that were still favourable for late-season plowing.

Both farmers were running seven-furrow Kverneland plows, known for producing an even, well-turned furrow – an important step toward smooth spring cultivation. With fresh snow helping keep frost from setting into the ground, the work was progressing well for both operators.

McGregor, driving his red Case IH four-wheel-drive tractor, said he enjoys the quiet rhythm of fall plowing.

“Except for the odd local reporter, the solitude makes you think of the close-to-perfect country we live and farm in,” he said with a smile.

Just across the property line, Danen was striking out a new furrow with his four-wheel-drive John Deere and matching Kverneland plow. He admits this continues to be one of his favourite jobs of the year – even if the early snowfall arrived a bit sooner than expected.