The forecast is calling for snow, sleet, and possible ice, and this means work for us on the ranch. They are calling for 4-6″ inches right now, and before ya’ll from farther north start poking fun, even this little amount of snow happens once a season, if we are lucky. Much of the time we hear about preparing pets at the house for cold weather, but what about the livestock?

Preparing for snow on the ranch is more than a last minute grocery run. Cattle require more energy to stay warm in cold, wet weather. We make sure the cattle have plenty of hay and feed before bad weather hits, so we can be prepared and hopefully get to enjoy some time in the warmth ourselves when the weather turns worse.

We’ll have to wait and see what happens. What preparations do you take for bad winter weather?

Tomorrow I’ll show you what I face after the snow hits.

Published by Ryan Goodman

Ryan Goodman works in grassroots advocacy as a communications consultant with beef cattle farmers and ranchers across the United States. He is a proud alumnus of Oklahoma State University, with studies focusing on cattle reproduction and nutrition. Ryan's experience in the beef industry range from family farms and ranches in several states to large feedlots and non-profit policy organizations. Ryan is an avid trail and ultrarunner, proudly showing how beef can be an important part of a healthy diet and active lifestyle. Find Ryan on social media as @BeefRunner.