Dec
Spring comes fast on Canadian farms. One day the fields are frozen and quiet, and then the ground softens with the promise of new work. When the rush comes, it helps to have plans, paperwork, and equipment ready to go. Leasing farm equipment offers access to the machines you need without the burden of buying everything at once. In December, when the days are short and work has slowed because of cold weather, the season gives you a chance to plan.
Use this quiet time to consider what equipment will help you through a busy spring. Getting organized in winter means fewer rushed decisions when the thaw finally begins.
Check What You’ll Need for Spring
Before contacting anyone about equipment, it is useful to know exactly what you need. Every farm is different, with tasks ranging from grain planting to vegetable care. List your main jobs for March, April, and May, and then match those tasks with the right tools. Think back to last spring, note what worked and what slowed you down, and consider any changes in your plans. Write a concise list that includes:
- Main jobs planned for early and mid spring
- Equipment already owned that you plan to continue using
- Areas where an extra machine could speed up tasks
- Specific features needed, such as cab comfort or attachment options
This simple list helps clarify your needs without creating a long wish list. It also keeps you focused when looking at leasing options that can bridge any gaps in your current setup.
Think About How Long You’ll Use It
Once you know which machines might help, consider how long you will use each one. Some equipment is only needed during short bursts like planting or soil preparation, while other machines, such as a versatile tractor, support work through spring, summer, and even fall harvest. Ask yourself:
- Is this machine only for spring, or will it be useful throughout the year?
- Do you plan to use it long term, or are you trying out a new method?
- Could your needs expand as you take on more land or different tasks?
Short-term needs may call for a flexible lease plan, while machines with year-round value might benefit from a longer arrangement. Having these answers ready makes it easier to talk to leasing partners and choose a plan that fits your schedule and operations.
Gather Your Info While You’re Off the Field
Winter’s slower pace is a good time to get organized. Lenders and leasing partners usually ask for basic business details to understand how your farm operates. Instead of waiting until the last minute, spend some time now gathering the documents and information needed. Be ready with:
- Proof of your farming operation, such as ownership or lease papers for your land or barn
- Basic identification and clear contact details
- Any past leasing or borrowing history that shows your experience with equipment agreements
- Simple notes outlining the equipment you need, linked to your planned work
By having these items in order during the quiet winter weeks, you reduce delays and feel more in control when it is time to secure new equipment. Organized paperwork also means you can have smoother discussions with leasing partners as you prepare for spring.
Ask Questions About What Happens Next
When your equipment needs and documentation are sorted out, the next step is to understand the leasing process. Early spring is busy, and even small delays can disrupt your schedule, so it is important to ask key questions before moving forward. Make sure you understand:
- How and when the equipment will be delivered and whether that timing fits your spring plan
- What to do if something goes wrong, including whom to contact and how quickly support is available
- Your responsibilities regarding care and maintenance, such as daily checks and fluid levels
- The process for returning the equipment and the expected condition at the end of the lease
These questions are a way to ensure there are no surprises. Clear answers give you a better idea of how the agreement works in practice and help you plan tasks like scheduling field work and preparing for any unexpected delays.
Benefits of Starting While the Snow’s Still Falling
By December, most of Canada is experiencing cold weather, snow, and ice. Although these conditions slow down outdoor work, they create a perfect opportunity to plan ahead. Sorting out your equipment needs during the winter spreads the workload over a longer period instead of concentrating it when the ground thaws. Early planning offers several benefits:
- You have more time to compare options without the pressure of the busy season.
- It increases the likelihood that the equipment you need will be available before spring demand peaks.
- You can adjust your plans if you decide to try a new tool or approach.
- The reduced pressure means you can focus on planning rather than scrambling for last-minute solutions.
Knowing that the equipment is arranged and the process is clear gives you peace of mind. When the snow melts and the fields open up, you are ready to start work immediately. With clear plans in place, you can set aside the stress of dealing with unexpected delays and really focus on the tasks ahead. Finances, maintenance, and workload can be managed more smoothly when decisions are made during the quieter winter days.
Money In Motion Inc. finances both new and used equipment up to 20 years in age, offering flexible lease and finance plans that match seasonal changes. With lease terms that range from 24 to 84 months and options like seasonal or skip payments, you can choose a plan that works in tune with the busy periods of your farm. This careful planning and tailored financing structure help ensure that your equipment fits your farm’s natural cycle, offering both benefits and flexibility when it is needed most.
Spring is just around the corner, and there’s no better time to get organized for the season ahead. Whether you’re expanding your operations or simply looking to save time in the field, choosing the right partner can make all the difference. Money In Motion Inc. offers flexible options to support your farm’s growth through leasing farm equipment that meets your needs. Start planning now so you’re ready to hit the ground running when the thaw arrives.