Farms.com Home   News

Transition Cattle Inside For Winter

A  number of factors must be considered when moving dairy heifers or beef cattle inside for the winter after being outside for part or all of the summer season. The type of housing needed will depend on the enterprise and purpose of the animal. Most farms have facilities or systems already in place. Cattle may stay outside in cold weather, or need minimal shelter, except when calving. Trees may not be enough. A three-sided shelter open to the south may suffice.
 
In the November 2015 Wisconsin Agriculturist article Transition cattle inside for winter, UW-Extension Burnett, Washburn and Sawyer Counties Agriculture Agent Otto Wiegand shares the criteria for ideal winter housing.
 
 

Trending Video

Old Hay For Bedding: SMART Sheep Farming!

Video: Old Hay For Bedding: SMART Sheep Farming!

Instead of throwing out hay that’s lost its feed value, we put it to good use in the barns. Old hay is not only cost-effective, but it also provides warm, soft, and absorbent bedding that keeps our sheep dry and comfortable during the cold months.

We’ll walk you through our process, explain why we choose hay over straw, and share how this simple switch can save money and reduce waste on your farm.

If you’re raising sheep or thinking about it, this is one of those small but smart management practices that really adds up over time.