Cold Weather Is Expensive: The Hidden Costs of Frozen WaterSystems in Livestock Operations

Winter exposes weaknesses in every livestock operation, and frozen water systems are among the most costly. Frozen waterers, cracked lines, and failed heaters are often treated as unavoidable winter problems. In reality, the financial and operational impact of frozen water systems is far greater than most producers realize.

Lost Labor Time Adds Up Quickly

When water systems freeze, labor is immediately pulled from productive work into reactive maintenance. Thawing lines, replacing cracked components, hauling water, and troubleshooting heaters often occur during extreme cold and outside normal working hours.

Across a single winter, these “temporary fixes” can result in significant labor loss and time that could have been spent managing livestock, facilities, or feed programs.

Animal Health and Performance Are Directly Affected

Consistent access to water is crucial for livestock health, particularly in cold weather when animals require more energy to maintain body condition. Reduced water intake can negatively impact feed efficiency, weight gain, and overall performance.

These effects are often subtle and cumulative, making them difficult to track but costly over time.

Equipment Damage and Emergency Replacement Costs

Frozen water systems frequently result in cracked bowls, split supply lines, damaged valves, and burned-out heating elements. Emergency repairs during winter are typically more expensive and often lead to additional failures later in the season.

Temporary solutions may restore water flow, but repeated freeze-thaw cycles weaken systems and shorten equipment life.

Why Propane-Fueled Heating Matters in Winter Conditions

In many livestock operations, particularly in rural or remote areas, reliable electrical service cannot be assumed during winter months. Ice storms, heavy snow, and extreme cold frequently cause power interruptions at the exact time heating systems are most critical.  Propane heaters provide steady, predictable heat output that is not affected by voltage drops or electrical component failure, making them well-suited for prolonged cold snaps. Propane-fueled heaters operate independently of electrical service, allowing watering systems to remain functional during outages when electric heaters fail.

At Trojan Specialty Products, our propane-fueled 66B Stock Tank Heaters are engineered with these real-world challenges in mind. By focusing on durability, controlled heat output, and performance under sustained winter conditions, the Trojan 66B Stock Tank Heater helps producers maintain reliable livestock watering even when electrical service is unreliable.

Cold weather is predictable, and making the right investment before winter can eliminate the expense and disruption of emergency fixes.