How about this weather, huh?

That Polar Vortex sure was something.

Being able to spend most of our time outside is one of the things we love most about farming. Minnesota throws a lot of different elements our way to challenge us, but we wouldn’t change it for the world. With the wind chill reaching almost -40 degrees at the farm last week, you might be wondering how we were able to keep our herd — who also spend their lives outside — fed, watered and as comfortable as possible.

In the days leading up to the predicted Polar Vortex we filled our barn
(that has room for each member of our herd) with extra bedding and built tall windbreaks by stacking large round bales one on top of the other. We also took extra precautions to ensure the drinking water was accessible and not frozen over.

You also might be wondering how Minnesota cattle can truly be grass-fed. Through the winter months, our herd eats alfalfa we raised on our land and bailed through the summer and fall. Their meals are complemented with fescues and other grasses grown by us and other local farmers. Like us, cattle need to eat more (much more) during these extreme cold snaps to keep their body temperatures up, putting a bit of strain on our supplies and bottom line.

Got any other questions for us? Feel free to email us at hello@stormycreekfarm.com or send us a Facebook message!