Keeping Livestock Warm During the Winter

People aren’t the only Minnesotans the freezing temperatures effect. The Minnesota livestock also have to adapt to the subzero temperatures during the Minnesota winters. Dairy cows that live in barns can produce enough body warmth to heat the barn and not lose milk production. B&C Dairy in Fort Ripley keep their dairy calves outside in igloos with blankets on to keep them warm while getting more fresh wait than in the barn. They say their beef cattle are always outside and can produce thick enough hides to stay warm in freezing degrees.

The Minnesota cattle are breed to withstand Minnesota winter, however it’s the Minnesota farmers who the the subzero temperatures are harder on. Last winter some farms kept their tractors on overnight to make sure they could use them in the mornings to feed their livestock. And the biggest change farmers make is how many layers they have to wear while they’re outside