Alternative winter systems to housing cattle and sheep

Find out about outwintering, deferred grazing and outdoor straw pads. Read our tips and advice, including how to manage environmental impact.

Benefits of outwintering include reduced feed and building costs. However, it is not ‘low labour’ and requires careful management. 

Planning, flexibility and backup plans are key to managing environmental impact.

Ideal for extending your grazing period through winter, at the end of autumn, or in early spring. Careful planning can save £15/ewe.

Design and management of straw pads, including expected straw requirements and space requirements for cattle.

If you want to increase flexibility in your system, you should consider:

If you would like to order a hard copy of Improving pasture for Better Returns or Livestock and the arable rotation please contact publications@ahdb.org.uk or call 0247 799 0069.