Posted: January 26, 2026
From Miles City to Big Timber, Worden to Red Lodge, our part of Montana boasts a diverse community of ranches, stables, poultry farms and other animal-raising ventures. All these operations need a dependable source of nutritious feeds to keep animals healthy through every season, especially when winter brings added challenges. In this article, we’ll discuss some issues you need to account for when arranging livestock feed for your farm in the winter.
Your hay-related expenses can easily double in the winter, with an average of 25% of your alfalfa or grass hay (and up to 50%) going to waste because of leaf shatter, trampling, contamination with animal waste and other loss — but planning ahead to protect your hay can lower this loss considerably.
Storing hay in large, exposed bales or in pens and stables is a recipe for excessive loss. The elements will destroy a huge portion, and your cattle, horses or other animals (especially pregnant ones) will significantly overeat if their portions aren’t regulated.
Investing in tarps or, ideally, a hay shed will lower weather-related loss. Bale feeders or racks can regulate your animals’ consumption and lower losses related to trampling and fouling.
Your animals’ nutritional needs do not change in the winter, even as the natural forage of your region can become depleted in frigid conditions. You’ll need to adjust the purchased feed products and supplements your cattle, horses and other livestock receive to ensure they are getting the minerals, proteins and other nutrients they need to thrive through the colder months.
Need some guidance on the nutritional front? Valley Farmers Supply can help! We offer fast, comprehensive feed and forage testing and provide consultation services to help you choose effective (and cost-conscious) animal nutrition solutions for the winter and beyond.
Liquid feed is an essential part of most ranches’ operations, but harsh winter conditions in Montana can lead to frozen or inedible feeds. You need to have a system in place to be able to easily access your liquid animal nutrition products while keeping them stored at a safe temperature.
Some ranches store their liquid feeds in indoor or underground tanks to pump as needed. You can also maintain stable temperatures with propane-powered heaters.
Valley Farmers Supply can advise you on the best way to prevent cold-weather issues with your liquid feed. We also offer propane services to ensure reliable heating for your outbuildings and sheds.
Valley Farmers Supply is proud to support that need with an extensive selection of high-quality animal nutrition products from the industry’s most trusted brands. From cattle and horses to goats, sheep and poultry, we carry proven feeds, supplements, minerals and liquid nutrition options designed to promote strength, vitality and long-term health. With decades of experience serving local producers, our knowledgeable team is always ready to help you choose the right products for your operation, ensuring your animals stay properly nourished, resilient, and thriving all winter long and beyond.
Reach out to our team today to arrange feed testing or request a delivery of premium animal nutrition products.