Feeding Grass-fed Animals During Winter: How do we do it?

Feeding grass-fed animals during winter can be challenging since fresh pasture may not be available. But our Wisconsin Grass-fed Beef Cooperative farmers have years of experience and know how to plan out the year for their animals…no matter what type of weather we may endure.

There are many ways to plan feed storage in the winter months for Grass-fed animals. Farmers typically rely on alternative methods to maintain their animals’ diet while adhering to grass-fed standards. They depend on high-energy and high protein forages gathered throughout the harvest season to help keep animals healthily and their bellies full all-year long. Some of these feed storage methods include:

1. Hay

• What it is: Dried grasses and legumes (e.g., alfalfa or clover) that are cut and stored during the growing season.
• Why it’s used: Hay provides the essential nutrients grass-fed animals need when pasture is unavailable.
• Types: High-quality hay is preferred, as it closely mimics fresh pasture.

2. Haylage or Silage

• What it is: Grass that is cut, partially dried, and then fermented in airtight conditions to preserve nutrients.
• Why it’s used: It offers higher moisture and nutrient content compared to dry hay.
• Grass-fed rules: Only silage or haylage from grasses or legumes is allowed.

3. Stockpiled Forage

• What it is: Grass that is left to grow during late summer and fall, intentionally kept ungrazed.
• How it works: Animals graze on this stored growth through winter.
• Advantages: Low-cost and natural.

4. Winter Grazing Techniques

• Cover Crops: Farmers plant cold-tolerant grasses or legumes (e.g., rye, oats, or clover) for animals to graze on during winter.
• Rotational Grazing: Sections of pasture are preserved for winter by controlling grazing throughout the year.

5. Supplements

• Mineral Supplements: Necessary to balance deficiencies in winter forage.
• Salt Blocks: Often provided for electrolyte and mineral intake.

Grass-fed standards prohibit grain-based feeds, so all supplements and forage must comply with these guidelines.

Our Wisconsin Grass-fed farmers must ensure that their winter-feeding plan maintains the nutritional needs of their animals, ensuring good health and productivity. By planning and managing forage properly, our farmers can maintain a sustainable, grass-fed feeding system year-round. And that’s how we make sure our grass-fed animals are feed all year long only using the natural ingredients found in the rolling meadows of Wisconsin!