Mud Costs More Than You Think

Mud may not be on your radar during single-digit temperatures, but it should be. When the temperatures warm up, the frozen ground is going to get soft. If we add in some spring rains, things will change and just 4–8 inches of mud (pastern deep) can reduce feed efficiency by up to 13%.

Why?

• Cattle eat less because they visit the bunk less

• More energy is burned walking through mud

• Wet hair coats increase maintenance needs by 2% for every degree below 30°F

This “mud tax” applies to everyone—not just feedlots. Research from The Ohio State University shows cows in muddy, unbedded pens require energy equal to ~4 lb of corn per day just to maintain body condition.

We can’t control the weather—but we can control mud.

• Scrape snow early. Every 8–10 inches of snow = 1 inch of precipitation. Remove it before it melts.

• Manage manure. Routine scraping and pen grooming reduce mud and improve performance.

• Bed when needed. Research from North Dakota State University shows bedding pays. Start early—waiting until pens are muddy makes it harder and more expensive to catch up.

For cow-calf producers: keep cows and replacement heifers at a BCS of 5–6 at calving. Evaluate forage quality and adjust supplementation accordingly. Third-trimester cows need more protein and energy—especially when weather adds stress.

Mud is expensive. Managing it is cheaper.