Have You Ever Wondered What Grass-Fed Cows Eat in the Winter?

If you've ever driven past a pasture in the warmer months, you've probably seen cows munching on lush green grass. It’s a picture-perfect scene. But what happens when winter comes and the fields are covered in snow? Where do these cows get their food when grass is no longer an option?

It’s a question worth asking, especially for anyone who’s interested in the quality of their food and the impact of regenerative farming. The diet of grass-fed cows in the winter can vary, but let’s dive into some of the most common ways farmers keep their herds well-fed through the colder months and how we do it here at The Maker's Meadow.

Hay: The Grass-fed Staple

The most common winter food for grass-fed cows is hay. Farmers cut and dry grass during the summer and store it for the winter months. This preserved grass, known as hay, retains many of the nutrients the cows need to stay healthy. While it might not be as fresh as the pasture they graze in during warmer months, it’s still a natural option that keeps their diet grass-based.

Farmers who prioritize grass-fed labels are careful to ensure that their hay is high-quality. The better the hay, the better the nutrition for the cows. Hay made from a mix of different grasses and legumes, like clover and alfalfa, offers even more nutrients to keep cows healthy and strong through the cold months.

At The Maker's Meadow, we try to leave grass behind in the summer so there's more in the winter. We've also been using more bluegrass because it's higher in nutrients, which helps our cows get through the winter with less supplementation.

Bailage: Fermented Grass for Extra Nutrition

Another option some farmers use is bailage, which is fermented grass or other green plants. Unlike hay, which is dried, bailage is stored while it’s still wet, allowing it to ferment. This fermentation process helps preserve the grass, but it also adds beneficial bacteria, which can aid the cow's digestion.

Bailage is often fed to cows in winter because it’s packed with energy and nutrients. For farmers, it’s a way to ensure cows maintain a healthy diet even when fresh grass is out of reach. It also helps keep their milk production steady, which is important for grass-fed dairy farmers.

Cover Crops: Fresh Greens in the Snow

Some farmers get creative and plant cover crops in their fields to provide cows with fresh forage even in the cooler months. Here at The Maker's Meadow, we use cover crops periodically. Crops like rye and peas are planted after the main crop is harvested. These hardy plants can grow in cooler weather and provide a green, nutritious food source for cows.

In some regions, these crops can stay green for much of the winter, allowing farmers to rotate their cows through different fields to graze. While it’s not as common as feeding hay or bailage, it’s a great option for farmers committed to keeping their cows on fresh greens for as long as possible.

Mineral Supplements: A Balanced Diet

Even grass-fed cows need a little extra help in the winter, so farmers often provide mineral supplements to make sure the cows are getting enough vitamins and minerals. These supplements are especially important when cows are pregnant or lactating, as their nutritional needs increase during those times.

At The Maker's Meadow, our pastures are so nutritious that we're able to keep our winter supplements to a minimum. We'll give the cows Redmond's Sea Salt and kelp to help them get through the winter. And while most farmers would use grain in the winter, we never do!

The Bottom Line: Grass-fed, Even in Winter

One of the upsides to winter grazing is that cows prefer cooler weather, so they're much happier, healthier, and take on less stress compared to the hottest summer days.

And while winter feeding for grass-fed cows might take a little more planning, it’s absolutely possible to keep their diet natural and healthy even when fresh grass isn’t as readily available.

We care about the health and welfare of our animals, and we work hard to ensure our cows have access to nutritious forage, whether it’s in the form of hay, bailage, cover crops, or supplementation.

So, next time you enjoy a grass-fed burger or steak from meat raised at The Maker's Meadow, know that those cows were well taken care of, even when the snow was falling.