August is a pivotal time in agriculture. The month begins with peak summer heat but gradually cools as fall approaches. It’s the perfect time to finish the season strong — and start planning for what’s next.

In this article, we’ll outline what your crops need most right now and share steps to help you transition smoothly into a productive fall season, whether you’re managing fields, greenhouses, or nurseries.

Part 1: What Plants Need in August

This is the final — and often most intense — month of summer heat, so it’s important not to ease up on irrigation just yet. Consistent and accurate watering will help your crops thrive through August and set them up for a strong finish.

With temperatures still soaring, reducing plant stress is key — and that includes reducing your stress, too. Sticking to a reliable, automated watering routine can prevent problems later and keep both you and your crops in better shape for the transition into fall. Tools like the Valley ICON smart panels (ICON5, ICON10, or ICONX) give you remote access and control with built-in AgSense® integration, so your pivots stay on track even when you’re off-site.

It’s also crucial to make sure your plants are receiving the nutrients they need. This starts with healthy, well-prepared soil, but sometimes late-season crops need a little extra help. Fertilizer injectors and filters can be your best tools here. Using options like the Mazzei, MixRite, or CDS E-Z Pumps injectors, paired with filters like the Lee Rain Turbo Vortex, Sand Media, or Plastic Screen Filters, ensures your system delivers nutrients cleanly and effectively, without the risk of clogging or uneven application.

And finally — stay on top of wear and tear. After a summer of intense and sometimes unpredictable weather, your system might be showing signs of strain. August is when clogs, leaks, and pressure issues tend to show up. Taking care of them now can prevent costly delays down the road.

Lee Rain offers seasonal maintenance checks to help ensure your system is running efficiently and ready for the next season. A quick inspection now can make a big difference come fall.

Part 2: Prep Now for a Productive Fall

As August winds down, it’s the perfect time to shift gears from summer survival to fall planning. A little preparation now can save you valuable time and energy when the season changes — especially if you tackle small upgrades and maintenance before the fall rush.

Check for Weak Points

After months of heavy use and heat, it’s important to inspect your system for wear — especially at the connections. Fall is a smart time to:

• Replace worn PVC or compression fittings
• Patch or swap out damaged layflat hose
• Inspect manual and electric valves for performance

You’ll find a full range of these parts in our catalog — from male adapters and tees to valves and clamps.

Consider Upgrades

If your operation needs a little more reach or adaptability heading into fall, this is the time to make it happen:

• OCMIS hose reels are a reliable solution for larger systems or expanding coverage to new zones.
• Portable, easy-to-deploy hose like Netafim’s FlexNet can help you set up temporary or seasonal layouts quickly.

Planning now means you’re not scrambling when demand picks up later.

Automate for Efficiency

Looking to reduce labor or gain more flexibility? Valley Linear systems may be a game-changer — especially the Universal Linear, which lets you transition from linear to center pivot mode without manual intervention. That kind of flexibility can deliver up to 70% labor savings.

Valley’s AgSense 365 system ties it all together, giving you fingertip control over pivot scheduling, pump monitoring, and real-time diagnostics — all from your phone or desktop. With smart tools like Pump Command, you can automate pressure and flow across multiple pivots and pumps, saving water and energy in the process.

Prep Soil for What’s Next

Fall isn’t just about winding down — it’s also about preparing the ground for your next move. Whether you’re seeding cover crops, resetting beds, or tackling land that hasn’t been worked yet, Forigo Reverse Tillers/Stone buriers help you do more with less effort.

With a rotor that turns opposite the direction of travel, Forigo machines:

• Bury stones, clods, and debris
• Create fine, level seedbeds for transplanting
• Improve soil structure and drainage

They’re ideal for vegetable growers, specialty crops, and anyone who needs a well-formed, stable base for fall or spring planting.

Restock and Get Ahead

Even the smallest parts can bring an irrigation system to a halt if they fail. Fall prep is about making sure you have what you need before you need it.

Flip through our full product catalog to check off your list and make sure your system’s ready to handle whatever next season brings.

Need help finishing strong or planning your next move? Our team is here to help — and our full product catalog has what you need, from drip kits to reels and everything in between.