From lush spring growth to dormant winter range, the nutrient value of what a cow grazes can swing dramatically. Yet, the cow’s requirements don’t swing nearly as wildly. That mismatch is where performance is either captured … or lost.

It is finally that time of year when many producers can breathe a sigh of relief knowing winter is almost behind them. As green grass begins to emerge, it is tempting to assume that winter challenges are over and that cattle will quickly rebound once they are turned out to pasture.

Shorter days and quieter routines leave more space for isolation to creep in, making winter feel heavier than the wet snow on the end of your shovel. Here are a few lessons I’ve learned along the way that I think can help farmers get through the winter months.

Call it obsession or passion, but sports have a way of pulling people in. From casual fandom to full-throttle devotion, many can’t resist the rhythm of the seasons.

There is not much in the world prettier than the cold morning sun hitting untouched snow. I’m not much of a skier or snowmobiler, but the sheer beauty of the glitter of a million diamonds under a late sunrise is impossible to deny, even for the most begrudging of winter enthusiasts.

It was late afternoon, and the thin layer of frail gray clouds that had made their first appearance that morning before sunrise still hung low in the sky. I knew I had barely an hour of daylight left, and I also knew that there was no way I’d finish my fence repair project before dusk overtook me.

Cold weather is a critical time for proper care of both humans and animals. Severe winter weather is stressful and can occur suddenly. Make sure you’re prepared now to avoid extra stress in the moment.