Preparing for Winter Housing: A Farmer's Checklist
With autumn arriving, it's time to start thinking about housing your cattle. Getting your sheds, equipment and feeding systems ready before the rush will save you time, money and stress when the wet weather hits. Here's a practical checklist to work through.
1. Clean & Disinfect Sheds
Before animals come in, thoroughly clean out sheds, scrape down walls and disinfect with an approved disinfectant. Pay particular attention to calf pens — cryptosporidiosis and other pathogens can persist in poorly cleaned sheds. Allow sheds to dry fully before bedding up.
2. Check Ventilation
Good airflow is critical to prevent respiratory disease over winter. Check that inlets and outlets are clear, replace any broken or blocked ventilation panels, and ensure there's no draughts at animal level. Pneumonia is one of the biggest causes of loss in housed cattle — don't underestimate ventilation.
3. Bedding & Cubicles
Stock up on straw or other bedding material before prices rise. Check cubicle divisions, mattresses and scrapers are in good working order. Comfortable, dry lying areas reduce lameness and improve milk production in dairy cows.
4. Feeding Equipment
Service your diet feeder or TMR mixer before the season starts. Check feed barriers, water troughs and drinkers are clean and functioning. Ensure you have adequate silage, minerals and concentrate stocks in place.
5. Animal Health Prep
Before housing, complete your autumn dosing programme — fluke, worms and minerals. Vaccinate as appropriate for your herd (IBR, BVD, clostridial diseases). Trim feet if needed and treat any existing lameness before animals are confined.
6. Safety Check
Check all gates, latches, crush equipment and handling facilities are in safe working order. Winter is a busy, high-pressure time — make sure your yard is set up to work safely.
Products Available at CFS
Country Farm Supplies stocks everything you need for winter housing including disinfectants, bedding equipment, feeding accessories, animal health products and workwear. Browse our Farm & Yard range or visit us in Midleton, Co. Cork.
