09/02/2026
Mooooooove over Summer… Hello Fall! 🍁🎃
🐄 Is Your Livestock Ready for the Colder Months Ahead? 🐴🐑🐐
Fall is just around the corner, which means it’s time for livestock owners to start preparing for colder weather before the first hard freeze arrives! A little preparation now can make a big difference in keeping your animals healthy, comfortable, and safe all winter long. ❤️
Here are a few things to put on your fall checklist:
💧 Make sure water sources are ready for freezing temperatures.
Animals need consistent access to clean, fresh water year-round. Frozen or limited water can quickly lead to dehydration and can contribute to digestive problems, especially in horses.
🌾 Evaluate your hay and winter feed supply.
As pasture quality decreases, livestock will depend more heavily on stored forage. Make sure you have enough clean, dry, good-quality hay to get through the winter—and inspect stored hay for mold or excessive dust before feeding.
🏠 Check shelters and barns.
Winter shelter doesn’t have to be airtight. Good ventilation is actually important for preventing moisture buildup and respiratory problems. Make sure animals have a dry place protected from wind, rain, and snow, with clean, dry bedding.
🐴 Schedule those winter health checks.
Fall is a great time to review vaccinations, deworming needs, dental care, hoof care, body condition, and any chronic health concerns with your veterinarian. Addressing problems before winter can prevent bigger issues when temperatures drop.
🧂 Keep minerals and salt available.
Cold weather and changes in forage can alter an animal’s nutritional needs. Make sure appropriate mineral and salt sources are available and protected from the elements.
🐄 Pay attention to body condition.
Animals may need additional calories as temperatures fall, particularly young, elderly, thin, or otherwise vulnerable animals. Monitoring body condition now gives you time to make nutritional adjustments before winter takes hold.
🧰 Build a winter emergency kit.
Keep extra bedding, feed, water containers, flashlights, basic first-aid supplies, medications your veterinarian has prescribed, and emergency contact information readily available.
🌨️ And don’t forget the little things!
Check gates, fencing, barn roofs, heaters, water lines, generators, and equipment before they’re needed. Winter is not the time to discover that something doesn’t work!
The best winter care starts before winter arrives. ❄️
Taking a little time this fall to prepare can help prevent illness, reduce stress, and keep your livestock healthier through the coldest months of the year.
