Winter housing preparation
Seasonal guide • Autumn / Winter

Get ready for winter housing

From shed preparation and hygiene to livestock needs, parlour routines and wet-weather gear, use this practical guide to get ahead before cattle come indoors.

Start the checklist Shop seasonal essentials
Before housing

Six jobs worth checking now

Housing day is easier when the basics are sorted early. Walk the sheds before cattle come in, make a short list of repairs and supplies, and deal with the jobs that become much harder once buildings are full.

01

Clean & prepare housing

Clear old bedding and debris, clean high-use areas and make sure scrapers, brushes and cleaning equipment are ready.

02

Check water

Run every drinker, check troughs and float valves, and deal with leaks or slow flow before livestock move indoors.

03

Inspect gates & handling

Check latches, barriers, crush access and the routes you will use for routine handling during the housing period.

04

Review lighting & electrics

Replace failed lights and check the areas where you will be feeding, checking stock or working after dark.

05

Plan livestock requirements

Review mineral and animal-health requirements in advance and follow product labels and professional advice where required.

06

Get winter gear ready

Waterproof clothing, wellingtons, gloves and spare layers are easier to sort before the wettest weeks arrive.

Seasonal essentials

Prepare by job

Each section combines a little practical guidance with a direct route into the products you may need.

Housing & hygiene
Housing prep

Housing & hygiene

Get the shed itself ready first: cleaning equipment, water, gates, drainage and everyday yard essentials are easier to sort while buildings are still empty.

  • Clean high-use areas and have brushes, scrapers and disinfectant supplies ready.
  • Run drinkers and check troughs, float valves and water flow.
  • Inspect gates, barriers, drains and the handling route you will use all winter.
Shop Farm & Yard
Animal health & minerals
Livestock

Animal health & minerals

Use the weeks before housing to review mineral requirements, handling equipment and the livestock-care products you expect to need during the housing period.

  • Check mineral and bolus requirements for the groups you will house.
  • Make sure dosing and handling equipment is clean, working and complete.
  • Follow product labels and use veterinary or professional advice where required.
Shop Animal Health
Dairy & parlour
Milking routine

Dairy & parlour

Winter routines put pressure on parlour hygiene and consumables. A small stock check now helps avoid running short when the daily routine gets busier.

  • Check teat-care and parlour-hygiene products.
  • Inspect filters, tubing and frequently replaced consumables.
  • Keep cleaning tools and routine spares together and easy to reach.
Shop Dairy & Parlour
Waterproof clothing & footwear
Wet weather

Waterproof clothing & footwear

Cold, wet days expose weak gear very quickly. Get the everyday waterproofs, wellingtons and gloves sorted before the weather turns properly rough.

  • Check waterproof jackets and overtrousers for damage or worn areas.
  • Replace leaking wellingtons and keep spare socks and gloves handy.
  • Choose workwear that suits the actual job — parlour, yard, field or machinery.
Shop Workwear & Footwear
Fencing & field jobs
Before ground worsens

Fencing & field jobs

Do the awkward outside jobs before ground and weather make them harder. Repair temporary fencing and top up the small parts that tend to stop a job.

  • Walk key fence lines and repair weak or damaged sections.
  • Check reels, wire, posts, insulators and connections.
  • Test energisers and fence output before relying on winter grazing areas.
Shop Fencing
Farming advice

Read the job before you shop the job

Use the CFS Advice & Guides section for practical seasonal information, then move into the relevant range when you know what you need. The aim is to help you prepare the job properly rather than simply show another list of products.

Browse Advice & Guides
Preparing for Winter Housing: A Farmer's Checklist
24 Aug 2026 Preparing for Winter Housing: A Farmer's Checklist

A practical pre-housing checklist for Irish farmers — covering shed cleaning, ventilation, bedding, fe...

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Autumn Dosing Guide: Fluke, Worms & Minerals for Your Herd
24 Aug 2026 Autumn Dosing Guide: Fluke, Worms & Minerals for Your Herd

A practical guide to autumn dosing for Irish farmers — covering liver fluke, worm control and mineral ...

Read guide →
Farm Safety on Irish Farms: Practical Tips Every Farmer Should Know
25 Jul 2026 Farm Safety on Irish Farms: Practical Tips Every Farmer Should Know

Farming is one of the most rewarding jobs there is—but it's also one of the most dangerous. Whether yo...

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Need a hand?

Not sure what fits the job?

Use our product information and guides to narrow it down, or contact Country Farm Supplies for practical product support.

Contact CFS