Windbreaks Increase Cow Comfort While Lowering Energy Needs

By Raylene Nickel

Building a cowherd of 100 head has been Rusty Myskiw’s long-term goal. Hand in hand with growing the herd has come the need to provide plenty of winter shelter for the cattle.

Myskiw’s farm near Warren, Manitoba, sits on an open patch of prairie offering little protection from the region’s long, cold winters. It’s possible for blasting winds and subzero temperatures to send windchills plunging as low as -40°F. to -50°F.

“To be fair to the cattle, I need to provide protection for them,” he says.