Bedding cattle yards and managing bed packs

As another winter sets in, cattle producers are reviewing strategies to manage yards during impending cold and wet conditions. Although one could write volumes regarding how cattle cope with cold temperatures, suffice it to say that keeping cattle as dry and comfortable as possible is key. The following scenarios are outlined here with suggestions on how to best manage yards when winter conditions threaten to reduce performance and affect health.

Precipitation with intermittent dry spells 

Other than a dry winter, this may be the next easiest scenario to manage; the operator has two choices: 1) proactively bed if they expect that a cold spell will follow or that the 10day forecast calls for additional precipitation or 2) do nothing.