REDFIELD, Iowa (DTN) -- A large part of the United States is preparing for a major winter storm. Cattle producers should be sure to have feed, water and shelter available for protection from the elements.

"The first thing I think of is nutrition. If we are fueling that animal's body so they have the calories, they need to keep warm and digest feed, it's so important," said veterinarian Mark Hilton, owner of Midwest Beef Cattle Consultants in Lafayette, Indiana. "And, if they are gestating, they have to have enough nutrition for the calf. So even though I'm a veterinarian, I would say good nutrition is the key to good health and survivability."

KEEPING ANIMALS ALIVE

Ensuring the nutrition available for the cattle is adequate for the type of animal and clean water is pertinent to keeping animals alive. Hilton advised if cattle producers have any questions, they should talk to someone knowledgeable in this area, such as the herd veterinarian or an Extension specialist for advice on winter weather management.

Justin Waggoner, beef cattle specialist for Kansas State Extension, said the combination of cold, wind and snow can significantly increase stress on cattle, especially if producers are not proactive. Feedlot cattle will often increase their feed intake ahead of an approaching storm.

Waggoner said it's not uncommon for cattle to be more aggressive at the bunk. He suggested increasing roughage in the time leading up to a storm in hopes of avoiding digestive issues. He said the increased intake can lead to acidosis if regular diets are fed as cattle tend to eat more.

"Some operations will cover with hay, others will feed a storm ration," he said. "That usually means adding more roughage -- maybe 2 to 4% on a dry matter basis -- to help cattle avoid digestive issues." These rations are typically fed about 12 hours before a storm and continue for 36 hours afterward until cattle return to a normal eating pattern.

Cattle on pastures also require more attention to ensure they have adequate water sources and supplemental hay or feed to add needed nutrients. When the ground is covered with snow, it can become more difficult for cows to graze and to keep up forage intake, so producers should provide additional hay.

SHELTER HELPS WITH SURVIVAL

The environment a beef animal is in can make a difference on how they respond to cold stress. Having enough bedding for animals and shelter from the weather can make all the difference. Waggoner said wind protection can reduce cold stress.

Hilton agreed. "Wind is a big deal. I've had producers stack large cornstalk bales to make a windbreak on the other side of the fence for the cows. They can tolerate cold pretty well, because they usually have a nice winter hair coat and have some stored fat if they are in good shape, but the wind can be devastating."

If the exposure to wind is decreased, it will keep the nutritional needs of the cows where they need to be, both Hilton and Waggoner noted.

WIDESPREAD, HEAVY PRECIPITATION

DTN Ag Meteorologist John Baranick said this storm is so widespread and has a mixture of all types of precipitation and frigid temperatures that it will take different kinds of preparation in different areas.

"This is a major arctic outbreak. This storm is a bit unusual as heavy precipitation will extend well north of the track of the low-pressure center, up to near I-70 across Kansas through Ohio and then up into the Northeast," he said. "If the arctic air wasn't there, this wouldn't be so bad of a storm system. The preceding arctic air is why we're getting all the snow and ice." (See more about the storm at https://www.dtnpf.com/…)

ANIMALS AT HIGHER RISK

Thin cattle, younger calves and animals with lower body condition are at higher risk. A wet hair coat leads to dramatically higher energy needs. Waggoner suggested cold stress increases maintenance energy requirements by about 1% for every 10 degrees below a cow's lower critical temperature, which is roughly 20 degrees Fahrenheit. When the hair coat becomes wet, that increase in energy need then doubles.

Calving during these conditions provides another set of challenges. "It's hard to fight Mother Nature," Hilton said. "If you are calving right now, you have to get them inside. Those calves are born wet and would be frozen instantly in sub-zero temperatures. You have to get them inside." Ensure those cattle have clean, dry bedding and the calves are warm. Also, make sure the calves get adequate colostrum to start life the best they can.

"Be strategic," Waggoner said. "A little preparation can go a long way in keeping both cattle and people safe during winter storm events."

Also see:

-- "Preparation Prevents Problems in Winter," https://www.dtnpf.com/…

-- "How to Prevent Cold Stress in Cattle," https://www.dtnpf.com/…

-- "Keep Cattle Performing in Cold," https://www.dtnpf.com/…

To stay up to date with weather conditions and your local forecast for free from DTN, head over to https://www.dtnpf.com/….

Jennifer Carrico can be reached at jennifer.carrico@dtn.com

Follow her on social platform X @JennCattleGal

(c) Copyright 2026 DTN, LLC. All rights reserved.