Wisconsin farmers battle extreme cold to protect livestock
By Nash Darragh
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MADISON, Wis. (WISC) — MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin farmers have put normal tasks on hold this weekend, prioritizing the safety of their farm animals as the state endures one of the coldest few-day spans in years.
The extreme temperatures have forced agricultural operations across the state into what one farmer calls “survival mode,” with livestock requiring constant monitoring and emergency care measures to survive the dangerous conditions.
At Tri-Fecta Dairy Farms in Fox Lake, owner Katy Schultz and her team have been battling the cold to ensure the well-being and comfort of their 400 milking cows. The operation has implemented multiple strategies to protect the animals from the life-threatening temperatures.
“We are surviving in survival mode this week. It’s just getting the chores done, making sure the animals are taken care of and, it’s manageable when you stay ahead of it,” Schultz said. “Everyone here at the farm is on high alert, just making sure that if somebody looks off or something doesn’t look right, that we can be ahead of the curve and just making sure that we give those animals a little extra special attention.”
The farm has implemented comprehensive cold-weather protocols that address multiple aspects of animal care. Workers are keeping animals well-bedded with jackets and deep straw, along with fluffy bedding to provide additional insulation against the frigid temperatures.
Maintaining access to running water has become a critical challenge, as farmers work to ensure calves can continue to grow and stay healthy despite the harsh conditions. The operation has also added extra calories to cows’ diets to help their bodies maintain normal functions, including milk production, calf development, and overall health maintenance.
Equipment management has become equally important in the fight against the cold. Farm workers are carefully managing ventilation by opening and closing pen doors only when absolutely necessary, preventing additional cold air from entering heated buildings while maintaining proper airflow for the animals.
As the cold snap continues, farmers across the state remain focused on the immediate goal of keeping their animals alive and healthy until temperatures return to more manageable levels. The experience serves as a reminder of the challenges facing Wisconsin’s agricultural community and the dedication required to maintain livestock operations during severe weather conditions.
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Samantha Calderonscalderon@wisctv.com(608)277-5133
