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Animal comfort top priority in cold weatherAnimal comfort top priority in cold weather

Alice in Dairyland: Farmers work hard during winter to keep cattle safe when temperatures dip.

February 3, 2025

2 Min Read
Halei Heinzel in winter hat hugs a cow
WORKING HARD: Though Wisconsin farmers work hard year-round to create the best environment possible for their animals, they work especially hard during our cold winters to keep their animals safe and comfortable.Courtesy of Wisconsin DATCP

by Halei Heinzel

When winter weather arrives to Wisconsin, many of us break out our indoor hobbies, let our cars heat up a little longer, or take the dogs on quicker walks, shortening our time in the frigid temperatures. Wisconsin’s dairy farmers, however, need to face Old Man Winter on weekends, holidays and snow days.

While we may have to bundle up and add extra layers in the winter, the average dairy cow finds Wisconsin’s climate nearly ideal all year long, even in the colder months. Their preferred temperature is between 40 and 50 degrees F, though they are well-insulated to thrive in temperatures lower than that. You may have noticed that cows outside will accumulate snow on top of their backs. This is actually a great sign that the animal is healthy and its body’s insulation is keeping it warm. Additionally, when cows are lactating, they naturally produce excess heat, helping keep the inside of the barns a little warmer, too.

Staying comfortable

Once the temperature drops below where cows are comfortable on their own, the farmer has to step in. Many of our farm facilities are built to keep cows comfortable through a wide range of weather. Often, cattle barns have curtains or windows that can be opened to keep cool air flowing in the summer or closed to prevent chilly drafts and hold in heat in the winter. Some doorways also have flaps similar to a dog door on a house that allow cattle to move freely while keeping the wind and snow out.

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To give cows an edge against the cold, farm nutritionists can help adjust their feed or supplement amounts, ensuring the animals have enough energy to stay warm. Keeping up the supply of water in the winter can be a challenge, as a dairy cow drinks, on average, a full bathtub’s worth of water every day! Automated heated waterers in barns ensure a steady supply of water is available without having to venture outside.

Adult cows have quite a few of their own defenses against the cold, but calves can be especially susceptible to the cold when they are younger. Thus, they are provided extra straw, calf jackets and sometimes specially designed earmuffs to prevent frostbite. Increasing the number of feedings per day also can help make sure calves have enough energy to keep their body temperature up and to continue developing on track.

Though Wisconsin farmers work hard year-round to create the best environment possible for their animals in all seasons and weather conditions, they work especially hard during our cold winters to keep their animals safe and comfortable when those temperatures dip. This winter, keep our hardworking farmers and the animals they care for in mind as you enjoy your favorite dairy products.

Heinzel is the 77th Alice in Dairyland.

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