Overview: Learn how fast your hay stack should shrink in January. Understand winter intake, weather impacts, and feeding strategies to avoid running short!
January is when winter feeding stops being theoretical and becomes very real. The holidays are over, the cold has settled in, and the hay stack you built in fall is now your lifeline. Many ranchers find themselves asking the same quiet question as they pass the feed yard: Is this stack shrinking too fast?
In Wyoming, January feeding sets the tone for the rest of winter. Cold nights, wind chill, and higher energy demands mean cattle eat more — sometimes far more than planned. Knowing how fast your hay stack should shrink helps you catch problems early, adjust rations wisely, and avoid running short when winter is only halfway over.
At All Around Ag, we work with ranchers across Laramie County who understand that January isn’t the month to guess. It’s the month to measure.
What “Normal” Hay Use Looks Like in January
There’s no single number that fits every operation, but most herds will consume 20–30% more hay in January compared to late fall. That increase comes from:
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Lower temperatures
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Wind chill increasing energy needs
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Longer feeding periods with less grazing
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Higher maintenance demands on pregnant cows
If your stack is shrinking faster than that range, it’s a sign something needs attention — either ration quality, feeding efficiency, or weather protection.
Weather Plays a Bigger Role Than People Expect
A mild January can stretch a hay pile nicely. A windy, subzero January can cut it down fast.
When wind chill drops below zero, cattle burn energy just to maintain body heat. If your ration doesn’t provide enough energy, cattle compensate by eating more volume — which drains the stack quicker without actually meeting nutritional needs.
This is where hay type matters:
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Straight alfalfa or cow alfalfa supplies high energy and reduces overconsumption
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Orchard/alfalfa mixes balance energy and fiber
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Wyoming Timothy/Garrison or North Park Timothy Grass supports rumen heat and consistent intake
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Cow hay or corn stalk rounds stretch supply but may require supplementation
Feeding the right hay often slows how fast the stack shrinks because cattle meet their needs more efficiently.
Calculate Hay Use in Days, Not Bales
Counting bales alone can be misleading. A more accurate approach is to calculate how many days your current stack should last based on daily intake.
Ask yourself:
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How many pounds per head per day are being fed?
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Has intake increased since December?
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Are different groups (heifers, older cows) consuming more?
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Is waste increasing due to wind or snow?
If your January usage rate would leave you short by February, the earlier you know, the better your options become.
Waste Can Empty a Stack Faster Than Cold
Wind-driven waste is one of the most overlooked causes of hay loss in January. Even high-quality hay disappears fast when it’s scattered, trampled, or blown away.
Simple steps can slow loss:
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Use windbreaks or natural shelter
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Adjust feeder placement
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Avoid overfeeding during storms
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Feed tighter rations more frequently
Reducing waste by even 10% can add weeks to your hay supply.
When a Fast-Shrinking Stack Is a Warning Sign
If your hay stack is disappearing faster than expected, it’s time to act — not hope.
Warning signs include:
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Cattle still appearing hungry after feeding
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Noticeable body condition loss
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Increased aggression at feeding time
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Hay use exceeding your winter plan
January is the month to adjust, not panic. Bringing in higher-energy hay or improving feeding efficiency now prevents much bigger problems later.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is it normal to feed more hay in January than December?
Yes. Colder temperatures and higher energy demands typically increase intake by 20–30%.
2. Does higher-quality hay reduce hay usage?
Often, yes. Energy-dense hay like alfalfa can reduce total volume fed by meeting nutritional needs more efficiently.
3. When should I worry about running out of hay?
If your current usage rate won’t last through late winter, it’s best to adjust or secure more hay in January rather than waiting.
Planning for the Rest of Winter
Ideally, by the end of January, your hay stack should still cover at least half of your remaining winter feeding days. If it doesn’t, now is the time to secure additional supply while availability is still solid.
At All Around Ag, we help ranchers balance winter feeding with dependable hay options — from alfalfa and orchard mixes to Timothy grass, cow hay, straw bales, and corn stalk rounds. Our goal is to help you finish winter strong, not scrambling.