December hits fast in the Great Plains and Upper Midwest. One week you’re finishing fall work — the next, you’re breaking ice off tanks and watching the forecast shift toward single digits. Winter rarely offers much warning, and the operations that fare best are the ones that prepare early.
If you haven’t already taken stock of the season ahead, now is the time. Here are five key points of technical assistance worth reviewing before winter sets in fully – along with how strategic planning today can reduce stress and protect forage, livestock performance, and long-term land health into 2026.
Know Your Feed Inventory – And Whether It Will Hold
Winter increases energy demand for livestock, and forage quality matters as much as volume. A quick inventory check now prevents shortages later.
- Test forage quality to determine supplement needs
- Consider crop residue, cornstalk grazing, or leased pasture to stretch supply
- Short on feed? Early decisions cost less than late-season scrambling
Beat the Freeze Before It Starts
Frozen lines and dead heaters don’t wait for a convenient moment.
- Inspect tanks, hydrants, floats, and heat sources
- Confirm insulation and water access at remote sites
- Ensure power-outage backups are workable
If water delivery fails in January, the margin for error is slim — a simple pre-check now is worth it.
Ensure Livestock Have Adequate Wind Protection
Cattle tolerate cold well; wind and moisture are the bigger threat. A little structural support pays off immediately in energy retention and calf survivability.
- Evaluate windbreak integrity
- Repair bale or fence-panel shelter systems
- Ensure early-calving areas drain and stay dry
Good protection reduces feed demand, stress, and risk.
Protect Your Forage Base for Next Year
Grass may be dormant, but management decisions still count. Overgrazing now becomes lost yield later.
- Maintain residue for moisture retention + erosion control
- Rotate winter-grazing sites to protect stand vigor
- Supplement before ground cover is compromised
Healthy forage in May starts with restraint in December.
Winter-Proof Equipment & Emergency Systems
A slow-turning engine or an unplanned storm can turn into hours of lost time.
- Check engine warmers, fuel filters, and batteries
- Have winter-grade diesel, tire chains, and spare parts on hand
- Review blizzard plans: access routes, backup help, supply lists
Preparedness saves time, fuel, and headaches.
The Right Planning Makes Winter Manageable
Winter is unavoidable — stress doesn’t have to be. Proactive planning keeps cattle fed, water flowing, equipment moving, and pastures protected for next year’s growth.
At AgSpire, we help producers make decisions like these with confidence. From feed budgeting to grazing strategy and infrastructure planning, our technical advisors work alongside you to build solutions that fit your land, not a generic template.
Ready to tighten up your winter strategy? Now is the time.
Connect with AgSpire for technical assistance and winter planning guidance.
Let’s keep livestock performing, resources protected, and your operation resilient — this season and the next.