Winter feeding starts with forage and water

Build the winter feeding plan around the forage you actually have, its analysis and the animals that will use it. Check water access as carefully as stored feed. Keep stocks and feeding groups up to date, and review the plan when weather, forage quality or animal condition changes during winter.

Edited by Ender Soyuince · About our content

2026-10-21

Compiled from open-access scientific sources.

How much usable forage is in store?

Count the stacks and identify each forage lot before combining everything into a single total. A bale count gives a useful weight estimate only when you know representative bale weights. Separate usable stocks from spoiled or damaged material and record each lot’s condition. Keep wet or spoiled material in a separate entry so the usable stock total supports the next purchase decision. Use current forage analysis for each lot to compare its nutrient content as well as its appearance. Use the inventory to see what is available and the analysis to enter the nutrient values for your ration in HerdMobile.

Why check water during cold weather?

Reliable water access supports the winter feeding plan; check for frozen drinkers and blocked routes. Include drinkers and supply lines in the daily walk, and repeat the check after severe weather or equipment trouble. Minnesota Extension identifies water availability and cold conditions as important parts of winter dairy management. Review feeding amounts for each group using its condition, housing and current diet. Check shelter, coat condition, life stage and daily feed together, and keep changes with the group’s dated notes in HerdMobile.

When should you revisit the plan?

Review it when opening a new forage lot, moving animals between groups or seeing a persistent change in feed refusals or condition. Record the date and the reason for the review. Compare planned use with measured stock movements so shortages are found while there is still time to investigate suppliers and options. Keep supplier offers with their dates and quantities. After each purchase, update the winter feed budget with the invoice price and the usable amount delivered to your store.

Questions from the farm

How do I turn bale counts into a useful inventory?

Weigh representative bales and keep the weighing basis with the count. Separate usable feed by lot so the winter stock calculation reflects what is available.

How do I calculate the winter ration and feed needs?

Select your animal group and available feeds in HerdMobile. Enter current forage values and prices, then calculate daily quantities and feed cost per animal. Follow the usable stock and plan the next feed purchase.

What should the daily winter walk include?

Check drinkers, supply lines, feed access and the condition of stored forage. Record changes after severe weather so follow-up tasks stay visible.

How HerdMobile helps

Bring your animals, feed stocks and farm accounts together on your Android phone. HerdMobile keeps your daily work moving offline: record events, compare feed quantities and follow sales and payments in one place. Use your own feeds and herd information to prepare a ration, then keep a backup file under your control.

See how many kilos of each feed to give — Keep the day’s work in view: open your animal records, plan feeding, follow farm accounts and manage your backup in HerdMobile.

Sources

University of Minnesota Extension — Managing dairy cattle in cold weather