Seasonal Livestock Preparation

Livestock work follows the seasons in a predictable pattern, and winter preparation starts in the summer.

The yearly rhythm

The book breaks the year into four phases:

• Spring: animals breed and move to pasture. The garden and animals both need maximum attention, so plan for a busy time.
• Summer: pasture is at its peak, extra feed needs are lowest and growth and production are highest.
• Autumn: preparing for winter. Secure hay, size the herd to what winter feed can support and inspect and repair housing.
• Winter: feeding, monitoring and maintenance. It is physically demanding but less so than summer's push.

The hay rule

The book's most useful tip is never to carry more animals through winter than your hay supply can feed. Running out of hay in the depths of winter is an emergency. It advises calculating your winter hay needs in September, before your last chance to buy, and buying more than you think you need.

Winter water and shelter

• Every animal needs clean water at all times, and in freezing climates the water container should be heated.
• Inspect and repair housing in autumn, before the weather turns.
• Check animals regularly for signs of illness, and keep a basic first-aid kit.

An autumn checklist

1. Work out hay and feed needs for the whole winter, then add a margin.
2. Decide the number of animals you can feed through winter and adjust before the cold arrives.
3. Repair shelters, fences and doors, and check for draughts and leaks.
4. Arrange heated or frost-proof water.
5. Make sure you can reach feed and animals in snow or mud (access and roads).

Plan it with the rest of the property

Winter workload also affects your garden, water and heating, so read how to prepare your property for winter and basic livestock planning.

The Raising Livestock Off Grid guide covers the seasons in full. For the DIY approach to the whole property, see The Off-Grid Survival Manual.