How Our Cattle and Goats Thrive Through Illinois Winters
posted on
January 25, 2026
Winter in Illinois is no joke. Subzero temperatures, biting winds, snow, and ice are all part of life on the prairie. One of the questions we’re often asked at Grateful Graze is how our animals handle the cold—especially our cattle and goats that remain on the farm throughout the winter months.
The short answer? Healthy animals, raised the way nature intended, are remarkably well-equipped to thrive in cold weather.
Built for the Cold: Healthy Bodies Matter
Our cattle and goats go into winter in excellent condition. Because they are raised on healthy pasture, diverse forage, and nutrient-dense hay grown from living soils, they carry natural insulation in the form of healthy body fat and thick winter coats.
As temperatures drop, their bodies respond by:
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Growing dense winter hair coats that trap heat
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Increasing metabolism slightly to generate warmth
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Conserving energy by resting and ruminating
Cold weather itself is not stressful for livestock—poor nutrition, wind exposure, and damp conditions are. That’s where thoughtful management comes in.
Shelter From the Wind (Not the Cold)
At Grateful Graze, our cattle and goats live on land that includes timber, natural windbreaks, and strategically placed shelters. Animals don’t need heated barns; they need:
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Protection from wind
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Dry ground to lie down on
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The ability to move freely
Our goats especially appreciate access to dry shelters, while our cattle often choose to bed down in sheltered areas of timber even during snowfall. Allowing animals to choose where they’re most comfortable is a key part of low-stress animal care.
The Power of Hay and Healthy Soils
Winter is when forage management truly shines. Our animals are fed high-quality hay grown on the same regenerative land they graze during the growing season. This hay:
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Provides steady energy for warmth
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Keeps rumens active (rumination generates heat)
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Reflects the mineral balance of healthy soils
You’ll often see cattle eating more hay during cold snaps—that digestion process is nature’s furnace.
Water Is Just as Important as Feed
Hydration matters year-round. Even in freezing temperatures, our cattle and goats have access to fresh, unfrozen water. Adequate water intake ensures proper digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall health—especially when animals are consuming dry forage.
Why You Don’t See Pigs or Chickens in Winter
You may notice that our pigs and chickens are not on the farm during the winter months. That’s intentional.
At Grateful Graze:
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All pigs and chickens are processed in the fall
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We do not overwinter animals that are not naturally cold-hardy
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This allows us to prioritize animal comfort and humane care
Seasonal production is part of respecting the rhythms of nature and maintaining the highest welfare standards.
Calm Animals, Clean Food
Healthy animals that are calm, well-fed, and protected from stress produce better food—plain and simple. Winter is not something our cattle and goats “survive”; it’s something they are well adapted for when given proper care.
When you choose Grateful Graze beef or goat, you’re choosing:
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Animals raised outdoors year-round
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Management that respects natural behaviors
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Food that reflects health from soil to animal to family table
Illinois winters are tough—but with healthy land, thoughtful stewardship, and resilient animals, they’re just another season on the farm.
