How Dairy Farmers Care for Cows in the Winter
Winter on a dairy farm is no time to slow down. While the fields may be quiet under a blanket of snow, the barn is a different story. Cows still need care, milking continues to happen twice a day, and farmers maintain their long work hours to make sure their herds stay comfortable, healthy, and well-fed through the cold months.
But what does that actually look like? We asked real dairy farmers about their winter routines, and here’s what they shared.
No Blankets, Just Built-In Coats
One of the first questions people ask is: Do cows need blankets in winter? The answer is no—not for adult cows at least. Dairy cows grow thick winter coats that insulate them from the cold. However, newborn calves need extra warmth, so many farmers provide insulated coats for them, especially if they’re born on an especially frigid day.
"Our calves get coats if it’s under 40 degrees," said one farmer from Brovettos Dairy and Cheese House. Farmer Betsy from Hawthorne Valley explained that if a mother cow doesn’t dry off her newborn quickly enough, they’ll step in to help and provide extra warmth as needed.
A Cozy Barn with Plenty of Fresh Bedding
A warm, dry space is essential for cows in winter. Farmers take extra steps to keep their barns comfortable by securing doors, using windbreaks, and ensuring the cows have clean, dry bedding. Deep layers of straw or hay allow cows to nestle in and stay warm. Some farms, such as Hawthorne Valley even have loafing sheds where cows can eat and rest while staying protected from the elements.
Keeping Water Flowing (Even When It Freezes!)
Cows drink a lot of water—up to 50 gallons a day—even in the winter. Oftentimes, keeping that water from freezing can be quite a challenge. Farmers use heated waterers or regularly break up ice in troughs to ensure cows always have access to fresh water.
Extra Feed for Extra Warmth
Cold weather means cows burn more energy to stay warm, so their diet is adjusted accordingly. Farmers work hard to secure enough feed during the summer to last through winter, ensuring their cows have the nutrition they need in colder months. As one farmer from Harpersfield Cheese put it, “Getting the summer weather to cooperate to get enough feed in for the rest of the year” is one of the biggest challenges of dairy farming.
Daily Chores Don’t Stop for the Cold
A dairy farmer’s routine doesn’t change much in winter, except that it might get even longer. Mornings start early, often before sunrise, with feeding, milking, and cleaning. A farmer from Cedar Knob Farms said, “We closely monitor the cows’ activity using our GEA system to track their eating habits and overall health, ensuring they maintain normal activity levels.” Other farmers rely on experience and close observation. Either way, keeping the herd happy and healthy takes dedication and hard work.
The Reality of Winter Farming
Farming in winter isn’t easy. From fixing frozen water pipes to making sure calves stay warm, there’s always something that needs attention. But ask a dairy farmer why they do it, and the answer is simple: they love their cows.
Betsy from Hawthorne Valley summed it up best: “Their intuition, and their distinct individualities. I love watching a cow grow from her first lactation to her fifth or sixth, and seeing the same silly personality but with a calmer demeanor.”
So, while most of us bundle up and stay indoors when the temperature drops, dairy farmers are out there, every day, making sure their cows are well cared for. It’s tough work, but for those who do it, it’s also incredibly rewarding.