Paperwork, second jobs, respite: Here’s what farmers get up to in the winter months

The growing season may be over, but that doesn’t mean the work is done. In Minnesota, for instance, farmers are still very much on the job, tending to livestock, getting their paperwork in order, and strategizing which crops to plant in the coming year—especially as they confront growing climate-related challenges. For others, winter is a time to take on second jobs, or network with peers. But almost all agree: The colder months are less demanding than the harvest season, making them a rare opportunity to finally get some rest. The Star Tribune takes a glimpse at life in the “off-season.” —Jessica Fu