On January 23, 2026, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued widespread winter storm alerts and extreme cold warnings across major cattle-producing regions from Montana to Iowa, with impacts expected from New Mexico to Maine. These sub-zero conditions raise serious risks for livestock, making immediate cold weather management essential for cattle producers.

Why it matters: Prolonged cold stress can increase cattle energy needs by up to 30%, impair digestion, reduce performance, and lead to costly health setbacks. Livestock producers must act fast to implement preventative strategies that minimize disruptions in feed intake and protect animal welfare.

According to Justin Waggoner, Beef Systems Extension Specialist at Kansas State University, confined cattle, such as those in feedlots, will often increase their dry matter intake ahead of a winter storm. This behavior can create digestive complications like acidosis, especially if feed delivery is delayed during snow or ice events.

"We recommend increasing roughage 12 hours before and up to 24 hours after the storm to buffer those effects," says Waggoner. Adding 2-4% more long-stem forage helps cattle maintain voluntary intake without risking digestive upset.

Cold also complicates water management. Overflow tanks should have flow rates increased slightly to prevent freezing, while electric tank heaters need frequent checks to ensure functionality. Clearing paths to water sources after snowfall is critical to maintain access.

Bedding is another crucial factor. Waggoner suggests providing enough bedding so each animal can lie down on a dry surface. This helps reduce cold stress, particularly when temperatures drop below zero.

For cattle wintering on pastures or corn stalks, the challenges multiply. Snow cover limits grazing, and cattle expend significantly more energy to maintain body temperature. Supplemental feed becomes necessary.

Waggoner advises using high-quality hay or high-fiber byproducts like dry distillers grains. These energy-dense feedstuffs support cattle during the energy-demanding conditions of a storm.

While cattle in open areas may eat snow to meet hydration needs, water access still poses logistical problems. Rolling out bedding in muddy or snowy congregation areas helps keep animals dry. If shelter like trees or treelines exists, strategically placing hay nearby can improve access and comfort.

Creating windbreaks using hay bales, parked trailers, or panel structures can reduce wind chill and prevent cold stress. A V-shaped formation facing into the prevailing wind maximizes protection.

Though cattle typically develop a thick winter hair coat by January, Waggoner warns that insulation is compromised when that coat becomes wet. "The stress on the animal rises significantly once the snow melts into the hair coat," he explains.

With NWS maps showing frigid wind chills and accumulating snow sweeping across vast portions of the country, the current weather event serves as a reminder for cattle producers to revisit cold-weather protocols. Whether managing feedlots or pasture herds, focusing on feed consistency, dry bedding, wind protection, and water access will help reduce stress and maintain herd health through winter's harshest weeks.

Livestock resilience depends not just on endurance-but on proactive planning.