footballjdtractor
Well-known member
Does anyone have any information or opinions on custom wintering cows? We have an abundant supply of forage available. My idea was to take delivery of cows around Nov.15 and keep them until march 15. the owner would then take them home and start calving around April 1st. The cows would be kept in a dry lot and feed delivered to them with a tmr wagon. The cows would also have a barn for shelter. I think this could be a good program for a cattleman that is older and doesn't want to fight our mud all winter. Another benefit would be that the need to make or buy hay would be greatly reduced or eliminated. I also think the rancher/farmer could run more head because his ranch only has to grow enough feed for 8 months instead of all year. What are the pro's and con's of doing this? This may be more common in western states but I know of no one doing this in my area.