Preparing Your Livestock for Fall and Winter

As temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, now is the time to make sure your livestock and equipment are ready for the colder months ahead. A little preparation before winter sets in can go a long way toward keeping your animals healthy, comfortable, and productive all season.

• Inspect Shelter and Wind Protection
  • Check barns, sheds, and windbreaks to ensure they’re sturdy and ready for harsh weather. Repair loose boards, patch roof leaks, and seal gaps to minimize drafts. For outdoor animals, make sure windbreaks are positioned to block prevailing winds and provide reliable protection.
• Review Feed and Nutrition Plans
  • Cold weather increases livestock’s energy needs. Test your hay and forages, and plan supplements as needed to maintain body condition. Monitor animals throughout the season to ensure they’re maintaining a healthy weight and overall condition.
• Maintain a Reliable Water Supply
  • Access to fresh, unfrozen water is one of the most critical parts of winter care. Livestock need to drink regularly to stay healthy and maintain feed intake—but frozen tanks can bring everything to a standstill.
  • That’s why many producers trust the Trojan 66B Stock Tank Heater. Built for tough agricultural use, the 66B keeps tanks thawed even in extreme cold. It runs on propane and can easily be converted for natural gas. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning or replacing the orifices and checking connections, ensures reliable performance season after season.
• Schedule Health Checks and Vaccinations
  • Before winter arrives, review herd health with your veterinarian. Make sure vaccinations, parasite control, and mineral programs are up to date. Cold, damp weather and close housing can increase stress and disease risk, so prevention is key.
• Prepare Equipment and Supplies
  • Service tractors, check heaters and generators, and stock up on essential supplies such as bedding, salt, and minerals. Having everything in place before winter weather arrives will save time and reduce stress when conditions turn harsh.

A Season of Preparation

Taking time in the fall to prepare your facilities, feed, and water systems helps your livestock stay healthy and your operation run smoothly through the winter months. Reliable equipment, like the Trojan 66B Stock Tank Heater, makes all the difference in keeping your animals watered and your mind at ease when temperatures dip below freezing.