Warmups earlier this month have allowed farmers to get a head start on field work in preparation for planting at the end of April and beginning of May, marking a smooth start to the year so far following the hectic roller coaster ride that was 2020. At Gingrich Meadows dairy farm in LeRoy, workers on Thursday were busy spreading manure on their fields. Eric Martin was in charge of operating the âmanure boatâ via remote control. The boat floats over the 12-foot manure pit, using high-pressure spray nozzles to stir up the pitâs contents and make the manure more consistent for application on the fields.