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Weather changes mean adjusting to livestock needs

The change in the weather has cattle producers taking a few extra precautions.

Jared Geiser from Chilton, Wisconsin tells Brownfield producers need to keep the calories coming to give cattle the energy they need. “(They have) a little fermentation tank built right into them that can really create a lot of heat, so if we do truly get into those extreme cold scenarios, we’re making sure that we’ve got enough forage in front of them that they can continue to chew and digest and basically produce their own heat.”

Brady Zuck raises beef cattle near Ladysmithand is a Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association past President.  He tells Brownfield getting cattle through cold weather spells starts with making sure the animals are in good body condition before winter sets in. “When you see it snow, and there’s snow sitting on a cow’s back, it means she’s in good body condition. She’s not losing heat, and if you get them set up right, they can really roll through it pretty well.”

Geiser says cattle are built for colder temperatures. “Cows are really comfortable in that 35-40 degree range. You know, a little bit of cold? Yeah, they feel it but they can really take a lot. They’re quite an impressive animal.”

Zuck says, “We’re adjusting that ration just a little bit as we see that cold weather coming just to put a bit more energy in for them. They’re tough old girls and they’ll roll right through it. It’s kind of amazing how they take the cold so well if they’re well prepared to do it.”

Both say having protection from wind, keeping the fresh water from freezing and making plenty of quality feed available are their top priorities in cold weather.

Warmer weather in Wisconsin during December led to muddy conditions, but the ground is firming up with overnight temperatures falling into the teens.

Brady Zuck discusses raising cattle in cold weather with Brownfield’s Larry Lee

Jared Geiser discusses raising cattle in cold weather with Brownfield’s Larry Lee