Grazing in Michiana
It seems winter arrived a little early this year. The local news in Fort Wayne indicated that it's been over 1,000 days since we've seen 3 inches of snowfall from one storm, and this one definitely made up for it. It seems all of Northern Indiana, Southwest Michigan and Northeast Ohio got blanketed. An average of 10 inches of snow in one storm certainly posed some travel challenges and it reminded me that we have now hit winter grazing time. Those of you who stockpiled in anticipation of this weather, now is your time to shine. This is also a time to reflect on the com-ing year, especially as hay prices are still elevated.
For many livestock producers, winter feeding is the season that tests both patience and pocketbooks. Machinery, fuel and labor costs pile up as hay is hauled and silage is fed, often making these months the most expensive of the year. Yet there's a practice that can ease the burden: stockpile grazing. By planning ahead and pairing it with rotational strategies, farmers can stretch their grazing season well into the cold months, saving money while keeping animals healthy and pastures resilient.
Stockpile graz-ing is a simple idea with powerful results. Instead of cutting forage in late summer or fall, producers allow it to grow and remain standing. Once frost arrives and plants go dormant, the forage becomes what many call "standing hay." Livestock graze it directly, eliminating the need for baling, wrapping or hauling. Tall fescue is often the star of this system because of its ability to hold quality deep into winter, but orchardgrass, bromegrass and even small grains like rye can play a role.
The beauty of stockpiled forage is that it retains enough protein and energy to sustain dry cows, heifers and ewes, even under a blanket of snow.
Every day animals graze instead of eating stored feed is a day of reduced costs. Some estimates suggest that each week of extended grazing cuts annual feed expenses by about 1%. That may sound modest, but over the course of a season it adds up quickly. Beyond econom-ics, stockpile grazing protects soil. Forage left standing shields the ground from erosion, and when trampled, adds or-ganic matter back into the system.
Animals often prefer the palatability of fresh forage compared to hay, and the system offers flexibility. Stockpiled grasses can be paired with cover crops or annuals to create a continuous chain of feed.
Of course, simply turning animals out onto a field of stockpiled grass isn't enough. Rotational grazing remains just as important in winter as in summer. Controlled access ensures forage lasts longer and is used more efficiently. Strip grazing, where temporary fencing is used to allocate small sections of pasture, is particularly ef-fective. It prevents animals from trampling or wasting forage and encourages them to graze evenly.
Even though plants are dormant, rest periods matter. Allowing animals to graze the entire field at once can damage sod structure, while rotation spreads pressure across the pasture.
Snow adds another wrinkle. Livestock can graze through light snow, but deeper drifts may require strip allocation or supplemental hay.
Grouping animals by nutritional needs also helps. Dry cows may thrive on stockpiled forage alone, while lactating cows or thinner animals might need extra supplementation.
Planning is the backbone of success. The process begins months before winter arrives. Producers must choose the right forage species, time the last grazing carefully and often apply nitrogen in late summer to boost growth and quality. Pastures are typically rested starting in August or September to allow ac-cumulation. Setting up fencing ahead of time makes strip grazing easier when the ground is fro-zen.
Monitoring forage quality is also key. Cold weather acts like a natural freezer, preserving nutrients, but not all species hold up equally. Tall fescue shines, while others may deteriorate more quickly after frost.
Challenges do exist. Weather is the most unpredictable factor. Heavy snow or ice can limit access, and producers should always have backup hay supplies ready. Not all forages are suitable, and choosing poorly can leave animals short on nutrition. Body condition must be monitored closely; thin animals may not thrive on stockpiled forage alone. Parasite management is another consideration, though winter conditions often reduce risks naturally. Still, rota-tional systems help break cycles and maintain healthier herds.
Stockpile grazing is not a silver bullet, but it is a powerful tool in the grazing toolbox. It requires foresight, management and flexibility, yet the payoff is substantial. In an era of rising input costs, every day livestock spend grazing instead of eating stored feed is a win for both the farmer and the environment. By planning ahead, choosing the right forage species and managing access carefully, producers can extend grazing seasons, improve animal health and protect their land.
Winter grazing doesn't have to mean endless hours of feeding hay. With stockpile grazing and rotational strategies, it can mean animals harvesting their own feed, pastures staying productive and farmers keeping more money in their pockets. It's not just a survival strategy—it's a pathway to more resilient, profitable and sustainable livestock systems.