Steve Lehman
MMPA Raw Milk Compliance Manager
Assuring adequate clean-in-place (CIP) temperatures become more critical when the ambient temperature drops. It is a good time to “tune up” water heating equipment by servicing water heaters, circulating pumps and heat exchangers. Another way to help maintain water temperatures is to insulate any water supply lines that run through unheated spaces.
During severe cold weather, it is not uncommon to see components of milking systems freeze up and fail to function properly. Moisture in air and vacuum systems will freeze and affect the function of diaphragm valves, air injectors, milking system drains and both vacuum and air cylinders. Keeping the milking area above freezing and making sure that lines drain will help to ensure that proper cleaning takes place.
Cooling systems may also fail during cold weather. Proper refrigerant pressures, valve function and condenser air flow are as critical in the winter as they are in the summer. Make certain that the thermostat is sensing the temperature of the milk rather than the ambient temperature, especially if the thermostat is located in an unheated space.
Christy Dinsmoore
MMPA Area Supervisor
How do you weather the storm on a Midwest dairy farm? By doing what dairy farmers do best — showing up, pushing through and staying ahead of whatever winter throws your way. By now you’ve already handled dropping temps, the first snowfall and those icy mornings that make every chore a little tougher.
Staying ahead means staying alert. Keep a close eye on teat end condition throughout the winter. If skin starts to look dry or chapped, it’s not too late to switch to a cold‑weather dip with a strong emollient package.
Ventilation deserves the same attention. It’s tempting to tighten up the barn when the wind cuts through, but fluctuating temperatures can turn poor airflow and high humidity levels into a real problem fast.
And don’t forget to look at your farm through the eyes of the people doing the work. Winter chores already take longer than anyone wants, so those “small” annoyances, like a frozen valve or a broken handle, can snowball into daily frustration. Fixing them now saves time, energy and morale when it matters most.
With steady attention and a willingness to tackle challenges head‑on, you’ll not only weather the storm, but you’ll also come out stronger on the other side.
Nate Elzinga
Dairy Nutritionist
Keeping cows dry enables them to maintain body temperature more efficiently, resulting in lower energy expenditure. When using sand bedding, it may be necessary to apply smaller amounts more frequently to prevent the formation of frozen blocks in the freestalls. Regular grooming keeps stalls usable throughout winter. Continue to manage barn curtains as temperatures fluctuate, as they may need adjusting beyond simply being lowered for the season. Identify areas with high drafts and install windblocks or repair curtains to shield cows from the elements.
Now is the time to assess body condition scores (BCS) for the herd. Monitoring how BCS changes through winter helps guide dietary adjustments as needed. To maintain both production and body condition, consider increasing the energy density of the diet. This can often be achieved by raising the level of fermentable carbohydrates, such as starch and sugar, while reducing less digestible forages. However, it is important to maintain adequate neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and forage levels. If starch is already at its maximum, adding fat—particularly from sources rich in oleic acid and palmitic acid—can further boost energy intake. High-oleic soybean products are a cost-effective option that integrate well into diets.
This article was originally published in the November/December 2026 issue of the Milk Messenger. Subscribe »