V-plows do tend to be heavier and more complex than straight blades, which means they often pair better with heavier duty vehicles. But for property owners who regularly face deep or wet snow, the investment pays off in reduced effort and faster clearing.

Shared Features That Matter

Regardless of blade shape, modern plows have come a long way from the rudimentary steel slabs of decades past. For instance, both straight and V-plows can be found with trip edges that allow the blade to flex when it hits an obstacle, protecting both the plow and the vehicle. Many models also include a tilt function to follow uneven ground, as well as optional down-pressure systems that help scrape away hard-packed snow and ice.

Mounting systems have also improved. Quick-hitch designs let property owners swap plows on and off vehicles with minimal fuss— a welcomed feature for those who use the same tractor or pickup for multiple tasks. These improvements mean that, no matter the blade style, operators are likely to see better performance and less wear on the machine than in the past.

Making the Decision

The real decision comes down to matching the plow to individual conditions. If the property is smaller, the

vehicle lighter and the snowfall moderate, a straight blade keeps things simple and affordable. For a long gravel drive or a few barnyard clearings, it may be all a person ever needs.

On the other hand, if winters bring frequent heavy storms, or if the property includes long stretches of roadway that drift shut overnight, a V-plow earns its keep. The ability to break through deep snow, angle it efficiently and scoop it where you want it provides a level of versatility that makes long winter mornings much easier.

Final Thoughts

For hobby farmers and large property owners, snow removal is less about bells and whistles and more about practicality. Straight blades and V-plows each offer their own kind of efficiency: one through simplicity, the other through adaptability. The right choice depends not only on snowfall but also on the type of machine you’ re running and how much ground you need to cover.

Today’ s plow manufacturers design equipment with these realities in mind, offering both blade styles in sizes that fit everything from UTVs to full-sized pickups. Whether you value the straightforward dependability of a straight blade or the multipurpose capability of a V-plow, investing in the right tool ensures that when the snow comes, your farm keeps running smoothly.

By Christy Caplan

As the days grow shorter, many chicken keepers notice a significant slowdown in their coop ' s productivity. The once-dependable daily egg count dwindles, leaving you to wonder if your hens have gone on an extended vacation. This seasonal decline in egg laying is a natural response to the arrival of winter.

However, with a deeper understanding of what your flock needs, you can take practical steps to keep the nesting boxes full.

Generally, several factors throughout the year can influence egg production and winter presents its own set of challenges. Factors that may impact egg laying throughout the year include:

• Breed

• Day Length

• Molting

• Broodiness

• Obesity

• Stress

• Temperature

• Nutrition

Winter Egg Production: 4 Key Factors

A hen ' s ability to lay eggs is closely tied to her environment. Four main factors contribute to the winter slowdown: reduced daylight, colder temperatures, molting and increased stress.

Reduced Daylight Hours The most significant factor influencing a hen ' s laying cycle is the amount of daylight she receives. A hen ' s reproductive system is stimulated by light, which triggers the pituitary gland to produce the hormones necessary for egg formation. For consistent laying, most hens require about 14 to 16 hours of daylight.

You can choose to trick your chickens into thinking the season remains right for reproduction by using lights to compensate for decreasing amounts of natural daylight.

When autumn arrives and the days shorten to less than 12 hours, their bodies naturally signal that it ' s time to rest and conserve energy for the winter ahead.

Molting

Shorter day lengths signal to chickens that it ' s time to renew their plumage and molt in preparation for the colder months. Under natural circumstances, a chicken molts during late summer and early fall. During a molt,