Assessing Herd Condition Before Cold Weather
Cattle need adequate body condition heading into winter since maintaining body heat burns significant energy, and thin animals struggle far more with cold stress than those in good condition. Body condition score your herd in early fall while there’s still time to add supplemental feed to thin animals before temperatures drop.
Infrastructure and Feed Planning
Make sure windbreaks, whether natural tree lines or built structures, are accessible in every pasture cattle will use through winter, since wind chill affects cattle comfort far more than temperature alone. Calculate hay needs based on herd size and expected feeding days, then add a buffer for a longer or harsher winter than expected. Check that water sources won’t freeze solid, since cattle drinking less in cold weather often eat less too, which can compound weight loss during winter months.
