Bale Grazing on Frozen Ground

We’re halfway through winter! And bale grazing is in full swing. These are the bales we have set out in the field in a grid-like pattern, with electric wires controlling access to them. When the ground is frozen, we can feed the cattle in the field, with the manure distributed on the field rather than piling up in the barn. The bale rings are needed to keep the cattle from sleeping on the hay, messing it up and wasting their feed. The cattle can choose to sleep in the barn, on their bedded pack, but dinner is served al fresco — three bales for 50 cattle. We put out a 2-day supply each time. That way, the dominant cattle will get their fill, lie down, and leave plenty for the “lesser ranked” cattle to fill their bellies (rumens).