How the Time Change Affects Your Farm, Garden, and Animals

Tips from Manning’s Feed & Seed to Help You (and Them) Adjust

When the clocks “fall back” this Sunday, November 2 at 2 a.m., most of us appreciate the extra hour of sleep — but for animals and plants that rely on consistency, that sudden change can throw things off. From horses waiting at the gate to hens adjusting to shorter days, the time change can ripple through your whole routine.

How the Time Change Affects Livestock and Equine

Animals don’t read clocks — they live by routine.

• Feeding schedules: Horses and livestock anticipate feeding and turnout at the same real time each day. A one-hour delay can cause restlessness, pacing, or digestive upset.Tip: Adjust slowly — shift feeding and turnout by 10–15 minutes each day until you’re back on schedule.

• Lighting and safety: Shorter daylight hours mean more chores in the dark. Make sure pathways, barns, and gates are well lit for evening and early-morning routines.

• Training or riding: If you ride after work, darker evenings may limit time in the saddle. Try morning rides or use reflective gear when trailering or turning out horses after dusk.

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How the Time Change Affects Poultry

Chickens are sensitive to daylight — they rise, feed, and roost based on the sun, not the clock.

• Fewer daylight hours = fewer eggs: Once daylight drops below 14 hours, egg production naturally slows.Tip: If you want steady laying through winter, consider adding a safe, low-wattage light on a timer in the coop.

• Routine consistency: Try to keep feeding and closing-up times consistent. Even small changes can cause brief confusion until hens adjust.

For Other Livestock (Goats, Cattle, Sheep)

• Feeding and milking: Gradually adjust milking or feeding times by small increments to avoid stress and keep production steady.

• Cooler weather: The time change is also a signal that colder mornings are on the way. Check bedding, shelters, and water sources to ensure animals stay warm and hydrated.

  
  

For Gardeners: What the Time Change Signals

The time change is more than just a clock adjustment — it’s a seasonal marker.

• Shorter days = slower growth: Plants naturally slow down as daylight decreases. It’s a reminder to mulch, protect tender plants, and plan for cool-season crops.

• Soil testing: Fall is a great time to bring a soil sample by Manning’s Feed & Seed. We’ll send it off for testing and help you interpret your results so you can prep for spring success.

• Timers and irrigation: Don’t forget to adjust timers on irrigation systems, greenhouse lights, or grow lamps to match the new schedule.

  
  

Final Thought

The time change might only shift the clock by an hour, but it’s a perfect reminder to refresh your routines — for yourself, your animals, and your garden.

At Manning’s Feed & Seed, we’re here to help you navigate the season confidently, from equine nutrition and poultry care to soil testing and winter garden prep. Stop by either location for expert advice and all the essentials to keep your farm running smoothly this fall.