1 Gumboots. Probably the most important thing to have on the farm this winter is a good pair of gummies. If you are going to be walking through long grass or wading through deep mud then a pair of the higher knee type is best suited to you. If you are going to be working with stock in the yards or cowshed then I would strongly recommend a pair with steel caps to prevent your toes being squished. I’ve currently got a pair of Red bands for the summer, 4x4 Marathons for the winter and a pair of Stimela safety gumboots for cattle work.
2 Beanie. A nice woolen beanie will keep your head warm and those ears toasty. Up to 40% of your bodies heat can be lost through your head so it makes sense to cover it up! Norsewear make a nice double layer beanie from wool and fleece these always do the trick, oh and the pom pom is optional.
3 Windproof jacket. A good quality jacket is another must for working the land in the winter. Go for the gortex breathable type and don’t be afraid of the price tag, you will never regret buying quality here. I’ve got a Wapiti Coat from Swazi and it is awesome.
4 Gloves. Great for protection from those harsh hay bale strings and the biting cold. There is a lot of different types to choose from, polyprop, leather, or if it gets really cold go for the blue Showa glove with the double layer, waterproof, windproof I reckon it's good for up to -10oC.
5 Heated handle bar grips. Regarded as a luxury by some but when you are out the back on the quad and you can’t feel your fingers they are a god send. Run a set of handle bar mittens as well your fingers will love you for it.
6 Headlamp. Shorter days mean longer nights, so there is more chance you will be working in the dark, get yourself a decent headlamp, you can pick up a good quality LED one pretty cheap these days, or for the lighting Connoisseur get a Petzl headlamp mine has done eight winters and is still going strong.
7 Neck warmer. For you southern folk (where it gets real cold) these are a must. Much like a beanie with two holes in it, it stops that cold chill going down your neck when out cruising the paddocks.
8 Pocket knife. A nice sharp knife is great tool for feeding out hay and baleage, because they are small and are easily lost I recommend you get a cheap one there won’t be any tears if it goes missing. But if you are after a goodie get yourself buck knife with a lifetime guarantee.
9 Holiday in Fiji. Probably the best thing on the winter wish list, say goodbye to the cold wet, winter days and say hello to sun, warmth and a week or so of relaxation.
Happy wishing
Euan
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