Some call it downtime, others call it the offseason. When harvest is over, combine operators find themselves searching for something else to fill their time.
But why does the offseason exist? And what do combine operators actually do with all of that extra free time?
Here’s the truth…
Life outside of harvest is just as important as life during harvest. Countless hours have been spent digging into everything combine operators love to do when they’re not running their machines.
From hobbies to farming culture, here’s what combine operators do during the offseason:
What you’ll learn:
- So Why Does The Offseason Even Matter?
- Equipment Maintenance And Purchases
- Hobbies Combine Operators Have Outside Of Harvest
- Offseason Downtime & Mental Health
- Lifestyle Changes You Should Make As A Combine Operator
So Why Does The Offseason Even Matter?
Think about your last few months outside of harvest. Were you bored?
Unless you’re an automaton obsessed with running your machine 24/7, chances are you kept yourself pretty busy.
Combine operators use the offseason to prepare for next year. Whether that be repairing equipment, analyzing their businesses, or searching for their next combine like this case ih 8250 combine.
The offseason is also the perfect time to get your equipment serviced and replaced.
Doing things like header upgrades, grain tank service, and even investing in pre-owned combines should all be done during the offseason. Since there’s less competition when buying a pre-owned axial flow combine sale in the winter, that means you get to pick the best machine at the best price.
Plus it just makes sense to purchase equipment off-season.
Combine sales were down 38.4% year-over-year as of October 2025. That means more inventory and a better chance of finding the exact machine you want.
Hobbies Combine Operators Have Outside Of Harvest
Now that the offseason is important, what do combine operators actually do with all their free time? Let’s dig into the hobbies farmers love when they’re not farming.
Hunting And Fishing
If you guessed that most combine operators like to hunt and fish, you’d be right. Farming obviously requires you to be outdoors, so it only makes sense your hobbies do the same.
Activities like hunting and fishing are some of the most popular hobbies for farmers outside of harvest. They allow you to relax and spend quality time with friends and family away from the grind of farming.
Not to mention you can usually fill up your freezer with fresh meat while you’re hunting.
Restoring Old Equipment
Love working on and tinkering with machines? Lots of farmers like to restore old tractors and equipment during the offseason.
Taking machines that are destined for the junkyard and restoring them to usable condition is super rewarding. It also helps farmers save money when they have to do their own repairs.
Many operators even restore antique tractors and sell them at a profit.
Getting Involved In Your Community
Combine operators love to give back to their communities. A lot of farmers spend their offseason volunteering for events or on co-op boards.
Others like to coach sports, mentor young farmers, or donate their time to worthy causes. Farmers have an incredible bond with the land they work, which often extends to their local communities.
Hiking, Camping, And More
Finally, lots of farmers enjoy hiking, kayaking, snowmobiling, camping and other outdoor hobbies during the offseason.
Anything to get outside and explore is a hobby many farmers enjoy. Especially considering 85% of Americans say hobbies are important to living a well-rounded life. If you’re stressed all year while farming, those hobbies are critical to your mental health.
Offseason Downtime & Mental Health
Here’s a secret farmers don’t want you to know…
Farming is actually one of the most stressful jobs in the country. Debting yourself to pay for seeds, dealing with inclement weather, and the demands of harvest take a toll on farmers.
Combine that with mental health resources in rural America being limited at best, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster.
Farmers experience higher levels of anxiety and depression than other industries. But the offseason can be a farmer’s best friend or worst enemy.
If they choose to relax, unwind, and spend time with their loved ones — they’ll come back recharged and ready to go.
However, if they let that stress build during the offseason they can fall into depression. Farmers have had a rough go as of late.
Farm bankruptcies increased 55.8% nationally in the last year ending June 2025. That stress doesn’t end when harvest does.
That’s why taking care of your mental health during the offseason is critical.
If you’re a combine operator make sure you take that free time to enjoy your hobbies. Even if that hobby is as simple as kicking back and watching Netflix.
Lifestyle Changes You Should Make As A Combine Operator
If you’re a combine operator and have found yourself wasting away in the offseason, here are a few tips to keep busy:
- Look for used axial flow combines during the offseason. There will be less competition when looking to make your next big purchase.
- Take some time to better yourself. Learn some new farm management software, take a PCA certification course, or learn how to use some new GPS technology. Every little thing you can learn during the offseason will help you during harvest.
- Keep yourself physically active. Sitting for hours on end is terrible for your body. Take some time during the offseason to build up your strength, flexibility, and endurance.
- Speak to other farmers. Visit farm shows during the offseason and talk to other operators. Stay up to date on the latest news and farm equipment by connecting with your fellow farmers.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you’re feeling down and need someone to talk to, reach out to someone. Farming often is a family operation so you should have someone you can talk to.
Wrap Up
The offseason is a crucial time for every combine operator. It allows you to relax after a long year and prepare yourself for next year’s success.
Use that free time to enjoy your hobbies, spend time with family, and repair or replace any old equipment you have.
Most of all, prepare for next year during the offseason so you can have a successful harvest.
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