Winter is fast approaching, and typically in our industry, we quickly forget the harsh weather events that set us back the last couple of years. And of course, nobody wants to remember the bomb cyclone of 2019.
However, for many producers this year, our winter pen conditions were poor and cattle never fully compensated for the winter impact in terms of carcass weight or live gain, and in many cases, it set our cattle back significantly and financially.
Those producers who were more progressive on their pen conditions had great success in health and performance of their cattle. This article will cover our 2024–2025 winter weather predictions as well as discuss the options that are available.
Planning is everything, ensuring that we have the supplies, equipment, and labor necessary to complete the plan for those periods when Mother Nature slams us with some harsh winter weather.
2024 – 2025 Winter Weather Predictions
The Farmers’ Almanac winter forecast for 2024-2025 anticipates that Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, and Colorado may experience a “wet whirlwind” of weather, influenced by an El Niño cycle. Here is a region-by-region summary:
Nebraska and Iowa (part of the “Heartland” region) are predicted to have a warmer winter than usual, with the coldest temperatures hitting in late January through February. Snowfall and precipitation will likely be below normal, with the most significant snowfall expected toward the end of January.[1,2]
Kansas is expected to follow similar trends, with warmer-than-average temperatures but less precipitation and snow compared to typical winters. The heaviest snowfall will probably occur in late January.[2]
Colorado (primarily in the Rockies) may experience a mix of weather. While some parts will be warmer, others could see a fair share of snow due to the El Niño’s impact, especially in the mountains. Precipitation might be more common at higher elevations, with increased chances of snowstorms.[1]
This winter’s forecast suggests fewer prolonged cold spells but sporadic cold snaps and precipitation across these states. Expect a milder, drier season with bursts of winter weather from time to time.
Pen Surface Management
We have been trained that corn stalk bedding is expensive and that it never works because it quickly turns to manure or slop when used.
Well, I am going to be abrupt and probably abrasive to most, but the reason this occurs is that we are trying to place bedding on a wet, sloppy surface with no preparation of the surface or no long-term plan of how we are going to use the corn stalks effectively.
For those of us who have not been as successful as we want to be and value the comfort of our livestock, going into the winter with a bed pack plan is essential.
Bed Pack Management
Creating an effective bed pack for cattle with corn stalks involves layering and managing bedding to keep it dry and insulated.
This practice provides warmth and comfort for the animals during winter while managing surface conditions. Here is a step-by-step guide to building a proper bed pack with corn stalks.
Site Selection and Preparation
Choose a well-drained, slightly elevated area to avoid water accumulation.
Ensure proper drainage by grading the area, and, if possible, placing a slight slope for water runoff.
Start with a solid base layer to absorb moisture, which may include used bedding, sand, or gravel to improve drainage.
It is best is to start building the bed pack on a dry surface in mid to late November and continue the practice for the next four to five months.
Bedding Layering Process
First Layer: Spread a thick layer (six to eight inches) of corn stalks over the prepared ground. Chopped or shredded corn stalks work best because they create a denser, more absorbent layer.
Ensure that you provide an area of 20 square feet per animal so that the entire pen can lay down.
Continuous Layering: Add fresh corn stalks every few days, or as they become compressed, damp, or soiled. This continuous layering will help maintain insulation and prevent a wet surface, which can lead to mud and ammonia buildup.
Aim to keep the bedding at least 12 inches deep to provide adequate warmth and comfort.
Daily Management
Regularly add fresh layers on top as the stalks break down. For effective moisture absorption, monitor the bed’s condition and add bedding as needed, especially after wet weather.
Check for signs of ammonia buildup (such as odor), and if present, increase the bedding layer or provide better ventilation.
Maintain the bed pack until spring by keeping the top layer dry, which helps control bacteria and reduces odor.
Compaction and Aeration
Corn stalks tend to compact over time under cattle weight. Periodic stirring or adding more bedding helps maintain insulation and airflow within the bed pack.
Avoid excessive compaction, as this can reduce absorbency and result in a colder, less comfortable environment.
Waste Management and Cleaning
At the end of winter, thoroughly clean out the bed pack and spread it as manure on fields. Corn stalks decompose well and add organic matter to the soil, providing a sustainable use for the bedding.
Dr. Dan Thomson and Dr. Erik Lowe have worked with yards in Iowa that are working to perfect this and had great success this last winter season.
They provided the following information and Dr. Erik coined the term “Bedding Intelligence” (BI) for understanding and improving upon what we already know.
Assuming five months of bedding:
40 bales per pen of 100 head is needed.
Two bales per week per 100 head is needed and at times one to two more pending moisture.
Common to be six to eight bales per week in typical dirt pens (150–200 head) during peak winter cold and spring mud.
This will provide ten square foot per head bedding area and I suggest doubling this as we want all cattle to lay down at once if needed.
0.5 – 1 bale per head of capacity for typical bedding period.
Managing the Pen Surface
Ensure that we manage the pen surface around the bed pack. Our best approach for snow is to pile it and remove it. If we cannot accomplish this, we then need to pile it in an area that once it melts the water drains away from the bunk and water and bed pack areas.
Bottomline, our industry needs to adopt methods to provide cattle a comfortable environment for sustainable health and growth of the animals even in the harshest conditions. Waiting to implement this procedure will only lead to failure.
Dr. Kip Lukasiewicz received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1999 from Kansas State University. He is the owner of Sandhills Cattle Consultants, Inc. and a partner with Production Animal Consultation, LLC. Dr. Kip’s primary focus is feedlot consulting, animal handling, and facility design. Dr. Kip trained under the late Bud Williams and has worked and trained extensively with Dr. Tom Noffsinger utilizing Bud’s thoughts on low-stress cattle handling and caregiving. Dr. Kip along with Dr. Tom works and trains with over 20% of the US fed cattle industry and also travels to Canada training feedlot clients on low-stress cattle handling and caregiving. Dr. Kip resides in Farwell, Nebraska, with his wife, and they have two children. He is an active member of the Academy of Veterinary Consultants, Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association, and American Association of Bovine Practitioners.
Dr. Kip Lukasiewicz received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1999 from Kansas State University. He is the owner of Sandhills Cattle Consultants, Inc. and a partner with Production Animal Consultation, LLC. Dr. Kip’s primary focus is feedlot consulting, animal handling, and facility design. Dr. Kip trained under the late Bud Williams and has worked and trained extensively with Dr. Tom Noffsinger utilizing Bud’s thoughts on low-stress cattle handling and caregiving. Dr. Kip along with Dr. Tom works and trains with over 20% of the US fed cattle industry and also travels to Canada training feedlot clients on low-stress cattle handling and caregiving. Dr. Kip resides in Farwell, Nebraska, with his wife, and they have two children. He is an active member of the Academy of Veterinary Consultants, Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association, and American Association of Bovine Practitioners.
