Sub-zero temperatures and slick ice strand livestock; pastures described as "skating rinks"
- Jeff Ishee
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
by Jeff Ishee
Updated Jan. 30, 2026 - A surge of Arctic air pushed sub‑zero temperatures into the Mid‑Atlantic region in late January, raising serious concerns for livestock producers already battling frozen ground, icy winds, and strained infrastructure. Reports have been received about collapsed poultry houses and greenhouses due to heavy sleet and snow. Barns, hay sheds, and other farm facilities also did not survive the storm in some areas.
Agricultural experts warn that the extreme cold could threaten cattle herds across Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia as wind chills plunge well below zero.
Some portions of the Blue Ridge Mountains in western Virginia are not expected to see above freezing temperatures until after Groundhog Day (Feb. 3rd).
Dr. Scott Greiner at Virginia Tech had the following observations:
"With the hardpack of the snow and ice, cows are not able (or it is very difficult) for them to dig through to access any forage. So their nutrition is what we provide - they're not going to get much on their own, unlike if it were open or a small amount of soft snow.
"Several things are at play- just the physical nature of trudging through the snow/ice requires extra energy expenditure. On top of this is extreme cold, which requires extra energy to generate heat. Coupled together, our livestock have increased nutritional requirements as a result. If we do not provide this, then they will need to call on reserves, which can lead to issues with body condition, thriftiness, and health.
"General recommendations are to provide shelter and windbreaks, increase energy in the diet (additional grain supplement and/or hay), and ensure water availability."
Virginia livestock and poultry producer Isaac Angus Swortzel had these comments regarding his cattle herd in Augusta County:
"Definitely losing condition. We have pretty decent hay, but as a grazier, I do not plan to feed only hay for a straight week. It's frustrating daily to see them going downhill from where they were a week ago. But you get pretty limited in what can be done from a cost, labor, and infrastructure standpoint. We are not set up with bunks to grain cattle on pasture and don't have barn facilities to house them, so we just do the best and hope to really support them after this stuff is gone. I just try to not let them get bad off.
"I have certain cows that are my benchmarks for condition. As long as they are okay, we're doing enough. Some others will look horrible, but they looked horrible for the three years of drought. So we're feeding ours well, keeping them full, but the cold really works on them, and the slippery conditions can be disastrous. Got a cow lame now. She probably slipped on the ice/snow pack."
Producers in the region, some of whom describe pastures as "skating rinks," are working to break a path in the crusted icepack so animals will have access to feed and water. They are also working to reinforce shelters, add bedding, and check generators as the cold weather continues. Newborn livestock are especially vulnerable, with calves and lambs at high risk during the first hours of life. Poultry operations are also on alert, as sustained cold can strain heating systems and increase fuel demand.
State agriculture departments urge farmers to monitor animals closely through the cold snap, noting that this weather will test both livestock resilience and farm preparedness.
Further resources available here:
New England >> https://extension.umaine.edu/livestock/related-resources/cold-weather-tips-for-livestock-farmers/
Kentucky>> https://equine.mgcafe.uky.edu/news-story/getting-through-winter-cold-can-be-stressful-farm-animals-0
Pennsylvania >> https://extension.psu.edu/cold-stress-and-beef-cattle
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