January marks the height of summer across regional NSW, bringing with it specific challenges and opportunities for property owners. Whether you're managing a working farm, a rural block, or a town property, the New Year is an ideal time to assess what needs attention before autumn arrives and to tackle jobs that are best done in the warmer months.

Fire preparedness remains critical throughout January, with the grass fire season often peaking during this month when vegetation is driest and temperatures are highest. If you didn't complete your fire preparation before Christmas, make it a priority now. Walk your property boundaries and check that firebreaks are clear, vegetation is slashed back from buildings, and potential fuel loads are managed.

Clean gutters thoroughly, ensuring no leaf litter remains that could catch embers. Check that your pumps are working, hoses are in good condition and properly connected, and you have adequate water access for firefighting. Your bushfire survival plan should be reviewed and discussed with all family members, including children old enough to understand the procedures.

Water management takes on particular importance during January when dams, tanks, and bores face maximum demand. Check water levels in tanks and dams, and if supplies are running low, implement water conservation measures now rather than waiting until you're in crisis. Inspect tanks for leaks, check that gutters and downpipes are clear and directing water efficiently, and ensure pumps and irrigation systems are working properly. If you rely on bore water, monitor levels carefully and consider having your bore serviced if you've noticed reduced flow or pressure. For livestock properties, ensure all water points are functioning and animals have access to adequate clean water, as dehydration kills quickly in summer heat.

Fencing often deteriorates over the wet season and needs attention in January. Walk fence lines and note any repairs needed, paying particular attention to corners and gateways that bear the most stress. Damaged or sagging fences allow stock to stray, create boundary disputes with neighbours, and compromise property security. If you're planning major fencing work, January weather is generally suitable for getting it done, though you'll need to work early in the day before temperatures become dangerous.

Weed control is most effective in January for many species that are actively growing in the heat. Noxious weeds require management under biosecurity legislation, but beyond legal obligations, getting on top of weeds now prevents them going to seed and creating exponentially bigger problems for next season. Target problem areas first, particularly along fence lines, around water points, and in areas you're planning to improve. Chemical control works best when weeds are actively growing, but always follow label directions carefully and consider weather conditions including temperature and wind before spraying.

Machinery maintenance can't be put off indefinitely, and January downtime provides opportunity to service equipment before you need it urgently. Change oils and filters, grease fittings, check belts and hoses, and attend to any repairs you've been meaning to do. For farm machinery that's been sitting idle, run engines periodically to prevent deterioration and check that everything still functions properly. Ensure vehicles are roadworthy, particularly if you've been pushing off registration renewals or safety inspections. The last thing you need in an emergency is to discover your vehicle won't start or isn't legal to drive.

Garden and yard maintenance becomes harder to keep on top of in January when growth is rapid and water is scarce. Mulch garden beds heavily to conserve moisture and suppress weeds, focusing your limited water on establishing young trees and maintaining productive gardens rather than trying to keep decorative plants alive through the worst heat. If you have a vegetable garden, January is the time for heat-loving crops including tomatoes, capsicums, eggplants, and cucurbits, though they'll need consistent water and shade during extreme heat. Harvest regularly to encourage continued production, and accept that some plants simply won't survive the worst of summer regardless of your efforts.

Stock management requires particular attention in January when heat stress, flies, and parasites all peak. Ensure animals have access to good shade and plenty of clean water, and monitor them daily for signs of heat stress or illness. Fly control becomes essential for animal welfare, so maintain your treatment program whether that's tags, pour-ons, or other methods. If you're planning to sell stock, monitor markets carefully as January prices can be affected by widespread selling from drought-affected areas. Supplementary feeding may be necessary if pastures are completely dried off, and you'll need to balance the cost of feeding against the value of maintaining stock condition.

Pest control extends beyond agricultural pests to household problems that intensify in summer. Flies, mosquitoes, ants, and cockroaches all thrive in the heat, making homes unpleasant and potentially spreading disease. Regular rubbish removal, keeping food properly stored, fixing water leaks, and sealing entry points all help reduce pest pressure without relying entirely on chemicals. For serious infestations, professional pest control may be necessary, but prevention is always cheaper than cure.

Building maintenance often gets overlooked until problems become serious. January's hot, dry weather is ideal for exterior painting, roof repairs, and other outdoor work that requires dry conditions. Check roofs for loose or damaged sheets, inspect sheds and outbuildings for deterioration, and attend to any drainage issues before the next heavy rain. If you've been planning renovations or improvements, January weather generally cooperates for outdoor work, though you'll need to work around the heat and ensure tradies have access to shade and water.

Record keeping might seem like an indoor job for cooler weather, but reviewing the past year's records in January helps inform planning for the year ahead. If you keep stock records, production records, or financial records for your property, use quiet time to ensure everything is up to date. This is also a good time to reconcile accounts, check insurance coverage is adequate, and ensure any regulatory requirements are met before you receive reminders or penalties.

The mental shift into a new year provides natural motivation for tackling jobs you've been putting off. Rather than creating an overwhelming list of everything that needs doing, prioritise the critical tasks that affect safety, animal welfare, or legal compliance, then work through what's achievable given your time, budget, and energy. Some jobs will have to wait, and that's perfectly normal. Properties are never finished, and there will always be more work than time available.

Working in January heat requires common sense and caution. Tackle physical jobs in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are more manageable, take regular breaks in the shade, and drink water constantly throughout the day. Heat stroke can develop quickly and is genuinely dangerous, so don't push through warning signs including dizziness, nausea, or excessive fatigue. Some jobs simply aren't safe in extreme heat and need to be postponed until conditions moderate.

If you're planning to be away in January for holidays or work, ensure someone reliable is checking your property regularly. Even a few days of inattention can result in serious problems during summer, whether that's stock running out of water, a fire starting and spreading unchecked, or opportunistic theft. Good neighbours are invaluable, and reciprocating by watching their place when they're away maintains relationships that are essential in rural communities.