March is a big month – Spring officially arrives this month, it’s National Agriculture Month, and it’s the perfect time to prepare for growth – whether that’s in your garden, your pasture, or our local industries that keep the county moving.

At Marshall County Co-Op, March represents preparation, partnership, and progress.

National Agriculture Month: Celebrating Local, Cooperative, and Sustainable Roots

Agriculture is the backbone of our community, and National Agriculture Month is a great time to recognize the farmers, gardeners, producers, and partners who work hard year-round.

As a locally owned cooperative, Marshall County Co-Op is proud to support:

• Local farmers and landowners
• Sustainable land practices
• Community-based solutions
• Industries that strengthen our economy

From seed and soil to fuel and feed, we’re here to help you succeed – season after season.

The Ultimate March Gardening Checklist 🌼

March is all about preparation, especially for home gardeners and small growers.

🌱 Test Your Soil
Before planting, soil testing helps determine nutrient levels and pH balance. Knowing what your soil needs now can prevent problems later and lead to healthier plants and higher yields.

🌱 Prepare Garden Beds

• Remove debris and leftover plant matter
• Loosen compacted soil
• Add compost or organic matter to improve structure

Good soil prep now makes planting easier and more productive.

🌱 Plant Cool-Weather Crops
March is ideal for hardy vegetables that thrive in cooler temperatures, including:

• Kale
• Peas
• Spinach

These crops can handle light frost and give you an early start on the growing season.

Pasture Management: When Should Livestock Head Out?

As tempting as it is to turn livestock out early, timing is critical.

🐄 Watch Soil Saturation
Turning animals out too soon can cause soil compaction and damage root systems. Wait until fields are firm enough to support hoof traffic.

🐄 Manage Mud
Mud leads to:

• Damaged pastures
• Increased stress on animals
• Poor forage regrowth

Designated sacrifice areas can help protect your main pasture early in the season.

🐄 Prevent Overgrazing
Early overgrazing weakens forage plants and reduces yield for the entire year. Give pastures time to establish strong root growth before full grazing begins.

Supporting the Oil and Gas Industry – The Marshall County Co-Op Way

Agriculture isn’t the only industry we proudly support. The oil and gas industry plays a vital role in Marshall County’s economy, providing jobs, stability, and growth.

Marshall County Co-Op supports oil and gas operations by providing:

• Reliable fuels and lubricants
• Dependable local service
• Knowledgeable staff who understand the demands of the industry
• Products such as seed, straw, water, propane, fertilizers and so much more.

We believe in supporting responsible energy development while continuing to serve the agricultural and residential needs of our community.

Growing Together This Spring

March is about fresh starts and thoughtful preparation. Whether you’re planning a garden, managing pasture, preparing for pests, or keeping operations running efficiently, Marshall County Co-Op is here to help.

Local. Cooperative. Reliable.
That’s how we support our community – the Marshall County Co-Op way.