Winter 2026 Newsletter – Planning, Preparation, and Stewardship
Combining Wheat near Leo-Cedarville, Indiana
Winter settles in across northeast Indiana, but the work on our farm continues—just in a different form. While the fields rest, our focus shifts indoors to preparation, evaluation, and thoughtful planning that quietly sets the foundation for the 2026 growing season.
Below are highlights from our Winter 2026 Newsletter, recently shared with landowners and farming partners.
What’s Inside This Newsletter:
Winter Work on the Farm
Farming doesn’t slow down in winter—it moves into the shop. Equipment maintenance, inspection, and fine-tuning are ongoing priorities. Using a running whiteboard list built during the season, we address small issues early so they don’t become bigger problems when planting begins. Our corn and soybean planters are being carefully inspected and calibrated to support consistent emergence and strong early-season performance.
Planning for the 2026 Crop Year
Winter is also planning season. We’re meeting with our Consulting Agronomist and suppliers to finalize fertility and weed control programs. Poultry litter has already been applied to 2026 corn acres, providing organic nutrients that support soil health beyond traditional N-P-K considerations.
Learning, Evaluation, and Continuous Improvement
Trade shows and winter meetings, including the Fort Wayne Farm Show, give us the opportunity to evaluate new tools and practices with a critical eye. Our focus remains on fundamentals—planter performance, crop establishment, and nutrition strategies—while taking a measured approach to newer biological products and technologies. Any potential changes are reviewed with our agronomist, grounded in research, and tested on a limited basis before broader adoption.
Expanding the Use of Drone Technology
In 2025, we expanded our use of drone applications for targeted crop health treatments. This approach reduces field traffic, limits soil compaction, and allows for precise, timely applications. Looking ahead to 2026, we plan to continue integrating drone technology, including evaluating its role in cover crop seeding where it makes agronomic and logistical sense.
Looking Ahead with a Long-Term Perspective
Across our operation, we focus on doing the fundamentals well—preparation, communication, and sound decision-making. Long-term success comes from consistency and stewardship, not chasing every new idea that enters the market.
Ready to read the full update:
Download the complete newsletter for more detail, photos, and perspective on how we approach winter planning and long-term land stewardship.
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Questions About Our Farming Practices?
We value transparency and open communication with landowners, neighbors, and anyone interested in how we care for the land. If you'd like to discuss our approach or have questions about anything in this newsletter, we're happy to connect.
**Contact Jim Smith**
📞 (260) 413-7881
📧 Jim@JKSmithFamilyFarms.com
J&K Smith Family Farms has been farming in northeast Indiana for almost two decades, with family roots in Allen and DeKalb Counties spanning 170 years. We're committed to long-term stewardship, sustainable practices, and treating every acre with care.