Overview: Learn how Wyoming ranchers can keep body condition on cows after pasture season ends using smart feed, hay, and supplement strategies!
When Wyoming’s grass turns brittle and brown, the real work of maintaining your herd’s condition begins. Late fall and early winter can be the hardest stretch of the year — pastures are spent, energy demands climb, and every bite of feed has to count.
Keeping condition on cows when the grass is gone isn’t just about feeding more but about feeding smarter. With the right hay, supplements, and management, your herd can maintain weight and even gain through the cold months.
Here’s how to make every bale and ration work harder for your operation!
Start with a Body Condition Score Check
Before you adjust feed, know where your cows stand. A quick body condition score (BCS) check gives you a baseline for energy needs.
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Cows at BCS 5–6 are in ideal shape going into winter.
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Anything below that means you’ll need to bump nutrition early before the cold increases feed requirements.
Evaluating condition now helps prevent costly catch-up feeding later when weather stress hits.
Choose the Right Hay to Maintain Energy and Protein
Once pasture is gone, hay takes center stage. The type of hay you feed can make or break your winter condition program.
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Cow Alfalfa provides strong protein support and is ideal for rebuilding condition.
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Wyoming Timothy/Garrison or Orchard/Alfalfa Mix works well for balanced energy without pushing cows too fast.
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Corn Stalk Rounds can stretch your supply, but only when blended with higher-protein hay.
Reliable hay supply makes consistency possible all winter long. For dependable local options, All Around Ag sources premium Wyoming hay varieties suited for cow and calf programs alike.
Also Read >> 5 Compelling to Choose Local Hay for Your Livestock
Supplement Wisely When Hay Alone Isn’t Enough
Hay quality can vary, especially with later cuttings. If your forage tests low in protein or energy, supplementation is key.
Use range cubes, protein tubs, or liquid feeds to balance out nutrient gaps. Cows in thinner condition or those nursing calves may need extra support. Always match supplement type and amount to forage quality — too much can be wasteful, too little can set your herd back.
Make Water and Minerals Easy to Access
Water intake directly affects feed efficiency and digestion. Even when the grass is gone, make sure cows have unfrozen, clean water available at all times. Heated tanks or insulated troughs prevent costly intake drops during freezing spells.
Likewise, keep salt and mineral blocks within reach. A complete mineral program — especially one formulated for winter feeding — helps maintain appetite, immunity, and reproductive health.
Feed by Need, Not by Habit
As temperatures drop, energy requirements rise. Instead of sticking to summer rations, adjust based on weather, cow size, and BCS.
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Increase feed slightly on bitter cold days.
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Feed during warmer daylight hours to encourage better intake.
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Provide fresh hay daily to reduce sorting and waste.
Feeding to actual condition keeps cows strong without overspending on feed.
Monitor Your Cows Regularly & Adapt as Winter Progresses
Even the best plan needs fine-tuning. Check your herd weekly for condition changes, especially older cows or first-calf heifers. If you start to see ribs, it’s time to adjust.
Keep notes on feed amounts, temperature swings, and weight trends. Small, steady changes in your program can prevent large condition losses later in the season.
Final Takeaways
When the grass is gone, your feeding program defines your herd’s success. Consistent hay quality, smart supplementation, and steady management keep cows healthy, efficient, and ready to calve strong come spring.
For Wyoming ranchers looking to secure dependable hay before winter sets in, All Around Ag provides trusted local hay options — from Alfalfa and Timothy to Cow Mixes that help you keep condition on your herd all season long. Because when pastures fade, reliability in your feed matters most.