What do grass fed cows eat in the winter?

During the winter months, when or where fresh pasture is not available, grass-fed cows providing ButcherBox.ca 100% grass fed and finished beef products, primarily eat stored forage that maintains their grass-based diet. This forage can include:

1. Hay: Dried grass or legumes, such as alfalfa or clover, that are harvested during the growing season and stored for winter feeding. Hay is a common and essential part of the winter diet for grass-fed cattle.
2. Silage: Fermented green fodder, such as grass or other forage crops, that is stored in airtight conditions to preserve its nutritional value. Silage can provide a more nutrient-rich option compared to dry hay.
3. Haylage: Similar to silage, haylage is semi-fermented forage that has higher moisture content than hay but lower than silage. It is also stored in airtight conditions and can be made from grass or legumes.
4. Supplemental Forage: Depending on the availability and nutritional needs of the cattle, other forage-based supplements such as beet pulp, straw, or forage pellets might be included to ensure a balanced diet.

These feeding practices ensure that grass-fed cows continue to receive the nutrients they need even when fresh pasture is not accessible, maintaining the integrity of their grass-fed status.