Winter Feed Planning Tips for Beef Cattle Producers

By Blake Jackson

As winter approaches, it’s time for beef producers to prepare for the feeding season by evaluating their forage inventory and determining if it will meet the herd’s nutritional requirements.

Planning ahead not only helps secure feed at better prices but also ensures that cows maintain proper condition throughout the winter, supporting healthy calving, strong reproductive performance, and long-term profitability.

Maintaining an optimal body condition score (BCS) of 5 to 6 is essential for mature cows. Poor management can result in animals that are too thin or over-conditioned, each carrying economic and health consequences.

Thin cows may experience poor fertility and reduced milk output, while overweight cows face higher feed costs, mobility challenges, and greater risk of calving difficulties.

The first step in developing a winter-feeding plan is to take a detailed inventory of available feed. This includes measuring both the quantity and quality of each forage lot. Factors like crop maturity, harvest weather, and plant species all influence feed value.

Laboratory testing of forage samples provides accurate nutritional data, helping producers allocate feed efficiently. Relying solely on visual assessment often leads to misjudgments.

Quantities should be estimated by weight whenever possible. Weighing representative truck or wagon loads of bales and multiplying the total count gives an accurate measure. For silage, weight-based calculations or estimates using volume and density data can provide reliable results.

The next step is to assess the herd’s feed requirements. Producers may consult a nutritionist to help balance rations using available forages. Different groups mature cows, first- and second-calf heifers, replacement heifers, bulls, and calves have varying nutritional needs, which change over the winter months. For instance, cows in late gestation require higher energy and protein levels to support fetal growth and prepare for calving.

At this stage, producers can estimate forage deficits or surpluses and identify supplement needs. A cushion of 45 to 60 days’ feed is recommended to account for unexpected shortages or longer winters.

Finally, documenting the plan in writing or using tools like the University of Wisconsin-Extension’s forage and feed inventory spreadsheet can improve accuracy and execution. The tool helps estimate inventory, track feed usage, and identify potential gaps before winter feeding begins.

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