Winter on the farm brings short days, frozen taps, and muddy fields — but with the right preparation, you can keep everything running smoothly. From protecting livestock and poultry to maintaining equipment and keeping water supplies flowing, here’s a guide to your winter farmyard essentials.
Keeping Livestock Warm and Healthy
When temperatures drop, animals use more energy to stay warm. Make sure feed levels are adjusted to maintain condition through the colder months. Livestock such as sheep, goats and cattle benefit from additional forage and access to mineral blocks or licks to support overall health and digestion.
Provide Shelter and Wind Protection
Animals need protection from wind and driving rain, even if they’re hardy outdoor breeds. Check that sheds, stables and shelters are dry, leak-free and well-ventilated. Block draughts without sealing buildings completely — fresh airflow helps prevent respiratory issues.
If you keep smaller livestock or poultry, position coops and housing out of the prevailing wind and elevate them to avoid dampness.
Zoar’s Tip:
Browse Zoar’s range of feeders, bedding and disinfectants to help maintain warm, hygienic living areas throughout winter.
Maintaining Water Supplies in Freezing Weather
Frozen water is one of the biggest challenges of winter. Troughs, taps and buckets can ice over in a matter of hours, leaving animals without access to fresh water. Check and break ice regularly — or better still, use insulated trough covers or heated buckets where possible. Lag exposed pipes and taps to prevent freezing.
Keeping a kettle or thermos of hot water handy for topping up frozen troughs can save time and frustration during early morning rounds.
Zoar’s Tip:
Pick up insulated buckets, trough de-icers and durable hose fittings to make winter water checks faster and easier.
Feeding Routines and Nutrition
Cold weather increases energy demands, so adjust rations accordingly. Cattle and sheep benefit from extra silage, hay or haylage, while poultry and smaller animals may need higher-energy feeds. Feed early in the day to ensure livestock have time to eat before temperatures drop again at night.
Keep feed dry and rodent-free by storing it in sealed bins or metal containers, and check for signs of mould caused by condensation.
Zoar’s Tip:
Zoar stocks feed bins, scoops and troughs to keep winter feeding organised, plus a range of livestock feeds and supplements for maintaining condition through cold weather.
Lighting and Yard Safety
Dark mornings and early evenings make lighting essential for feeding, mucking out and checking stock. Good lighting improves safety and efficiency around the yard. LED floodlights or motion-sensor lamps can brighten gateways and stables while using minimal energy.
Keep paths, gateways and yard areas clear of ice and mud where possible. Grit or sand on high-traffic areas reduces slips for both people and animals.
Zoar’s Tip:
Explore Zoar’s yard equipment and lighting range for reliable options to brighten up short winter days.
Protecting Machinery and Tools
Cold and damp weather can quickly take a toll on machinery. Check that tractors, quads and generators are serviced and that antifreeze levels are correct. Grease fittings and moving parts to prevent rust. Store tools and smaller equipment under cover and dry them after use to avoid corrosion.
Fuel can thicken in low temperatures, so keep spare filters and additives ready. Batteries are more likely to fail in cold weather — if possible, remove them from machinery not in use and store indoors.
Zoar’s Tip:
Keep a supply of fuel cans, funnels, maintenance sprays and protective gloves to simplify machinery upkeep during winter.
Poultry and Small Animal Care
Chickens, ducks and other poultry cope well in cool weather but are vulnerable to dampness and draughts. Line coops with deep, dry bedding and clean it regularly to prevent respiratory problems. Provide grit and layers’ pellets consistently, and hang feeders to keep them free from frost or mud.
Smaller outdoor pets such as rabbits and guinea pigs also need warm bedding and protection from cold winds. Position their hutches in sheltered spots and top up straw and hay frequently.
Zoar’s Tip:
Browse Zoar’s poultry feed, bedding and health supplements to keep birds healthy and productive through winter.
Managing Mud and Drainage
Mud management can make or break winter farm life. Poor drainage around gates, troughs and sheds quickly turns into deep mud that’s difficult to manage. Laying down hardcore or rubber mats in high-traffic areas helps reduce churn, while keeping gutters clear ensures rainwater runs off properly.
Regularly move feeders and water troughs to prevent muddy patches from forming in one area. Good drainage not only improves safety but helps reduce foot problems in livestock.
Zoar’s Tip:
Check out Zoar’s rubber matting and yard tools to help maintain safer, cleaner surfaces throughout the season.
Winter Biosecurity and Hygiene
Cold, wet conditions can increase the spread of disease among livestock and poultry. Keep housing clean and disinfected, especially between groups of animals. Use foot dips and disinfectant mats at entry points to reduce contamination, and wash hands thoroughly after handling feed or bedding.
Dispose of waste feed and manure regularly to minimise pests. If you’re bringing animals indoors for longer periods, ensure there’s still ventilation to prevent moisture build-up.
Zoar’s Tip:
Zoar’s disinfectants, sanitising sprays and protective clothing make it easier to maintain hygiene and reduce the risk of winter illness.
Final Thoughts
Winter farming is all about preparation. With good-quality bedding, dry shelters, reliable lighting and regular feed and water checks, you can make the season more manageable for both you and your animals. A little planning now goes a long way in keeping your farmyard running smoothly until spring.
