Grazing management isn’ t a one-season endeavor, but rather a year-round effort. Be prepared for winter by implementing grazing strategies that optimize forage use, reduce feed costs, and support herd health. While winter grazing management may look a little different in Hawaii than it does in Minnesota, here are five tips to consider no matter where cattle are located.

Develop a Plan and Write it Down

Implementing a grazing management plan( GMP) helps inventory resources and provides a roadmap to improved pasture management. Whether on paper or on the computer, a written plan can increase producer profitability and build a solid foundation for the land that can be passed on to future stewards. It also helps everyone on the farm or ranch team monitor forage, manage pasture rotations, and ensure stocking rates match up to available resources. The plan can be adjusted and adapted depending on variables, and it provides valuable historical data as well as potential strategies for the future.

Take

Notes and Record Data

Taking notes of pasture conditions throughout the year, especially during the summer, assists with winter grazing decision making. Consider taking photos of pastures in times of drought as well as during plentiful moisture to have a visual reminder of weather cycle impacts. Taking inventory of livestock, understanding forage reserves, and documenting water sources and locations will help develop a plan for changing seasons. Check pastures in the fall and test soil samples to identify potential pasture trouble spots.

Adapting the way cattle are fed during the winter can help improve soil health, prevent mud buildup, and more evenly distribute nutrients across pastures. Potential hay feeding methods include unrolling bales and bale grazing, with each having pros and cons. Unrolling hay bales can spread out cattle impact; however, unrolling a 24-hour supply at a time may be labor intensive. Bale grazing provides labor savings, less pasture damage from equipment traffic, and builds diversity in the plant community. Disadvantages include increased soil disturbance and the possibility of reseeding.

Identify pastures that have nutrient dense, resilient plant communities to be considered for stockpiling. Stockpiled forage provides the nutrition livestock need and extends the grazing season into winter months. These forages also serve as ground cover and aid with long term soil health. In addition, grazing stockpiled forages utilizes limited equipment, which improves safety for both producers and animals.

Be Flexible

It’ s great to have a plan but always be prepared with contingency plans and be ready to adapt to changing conditions. Identify other potential feeding options before severe weather or other natural disasters strike to remove emotion and make decision making easier during stressful situations. Record what worked and what didn’ t for future times of uncertainty.

These general tips provide ideas on effectively managing winter grazing; however, it is always best to talk with local experts to determine the best management tools based on the operation’ s geography, environment, business goals and herd needs. Find the Grazing Management Workbook and other resources online.

8 NOVEMBER 2025 www. NCBA. org