The Life of Grass-fed Cows
We often get the question: “What do your grass-fed cows eat in the winter?” Imagine a vibrant salad bar where each blade of grass, flower, and herb offers a unique flavor and nutrition. This is the daily feast for our cows, who roam freely across lush pastures. They enjoy soaking up the sun and choosing what they crave at any moment. Unlike their confined counterparts, these cows thrive in an environment that prioritizes their well-being.
Organic Dairy Farms in Winter
Our Midwest small family farms face the harsh realities of cold winters, but our commitment to caring for these cows never wavers. Despite the chill, our USDA Certified Organic farms ensure that the cows have outdoor access all year long. On particularly frosty days, you might find them cozied up inside the barn, seeking warmth but always with the option to step outside. Wondering, what do grass-fed cows eat in the winter? The answer lies in meticulous preparation.
Preparation for Winter: A Year-Round Commitment
Preparation is key, and our farmers start planning for winter in the spring. During this prime growing season, when grass flourishes, they meticulously bale it to stock up for the colder months. By practicing regenerative farming, they enhance the soil’s ability to retain water, allowing the grass to thrive longer and keeping our cows grazing into late fall—sometimes even into December.
What the Cows Eat in the Winter?
In January and February, our grass-fed cows eat stored forage that the farmers prepared in the Spring: Hay, Baleage, and Haylage. Because we store haylage wet, it ferments. We ferment as a way to prolong the hay, but it is also really good for our cows’ health. We do have some farms that are 100% grass-fed. For others, a small amount of organic, non-GMO grains may be introduced, sourced from their own regenerative practices. This extra energy boost helps our cows stay strong and healthy throughout the winter months.
In this way, we ensure our cows enjoy the best of both worlds: a fresh, varied diet during the growing season and nutritious, carefully prepared forage when the snow blankets the pastures. Hopefully, this answers your question, “What do grass-fed cows eat in the winter?”.