NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — For producers hoping to winter animals on crop residues or pasture, too much snow and ice can be an issue. How can winter weather impact your herd management this year?
Just how much snow or ice can be a problem for animals grazing is debatable. This back and forth can mostly be attributed to the differences in the forage itself and precipitation we receive. A foot of stockpiled grass or a hay swath with lots of air under ice or snow is going to be easier to break into and get meaningful forage from than a shortly grazed pasture or corn residue lying on the ground.
When it comes to precipitation, what we actually receive can impact availability as well. A heavy, wet snow will be harder to dig through than dry, fluff. If the snow drifts or sits around for a while and compresses, or melts and forms a crust, digging through becomes harder. With each impediment, an animal has to work harder and harder for a bite. Thickness and length of time maintained are the critical factors for ice. An inch of ice that melts in a day or two after warm temperatures can have less of an impact and ½ inch that sticks around for 3 or 4 days.
So what is the level we need to watch for? I personally like the 6 and ¼ inch rule. 6 inches of snow or ¼ inch of ice, and animals are going to work harder to eat. At this point we need to start watching animal condition, and be ready to supplement, especially if temperatures drop. Again, this is just a starting point. Each situation will be different.
Winter grazing can be a viable practice, but knowing how to handle snow and ice is critical for success. Taller and fluffy forages will be easier for animals to reach under snow and ice. With more than 6 inches of snow or ¼ inch of ice, keep an eye on animals and if body condition starts to drop, be ready with supplemental feed. With practice and planning, winter doesn’t have to stop your herd from grazing.
— Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension
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