Thrill of The Hill – Cattle Wintering Strategies with Lorna Shaw

Cattle wintering is an unavoidable and hugely important aspect of livestock management in Scotland. Whether stock are housed in traditional courts or managed outdoors on forage crops, wintering systems sit at the heart of animal performance, farm workload and long-term land stewardship. These decisions are not only about keeping cattle fed and sheltered; they influence soil structure, nutrient use, biodiversity and business resilience in a climate where winters can be long, wet and increasingly unpredictable.

In-wintering cattle offers farmers greater control over nutrition, health management, and environmental conditions. Housing cattle can reduce exposure to harsh weather, support targeted feeding strategies, and make it easier to monitor body condition and wellbeing, particularly in youngstock or higher-value animals. For many farms, in-wintering also helps protect vulnerable soils, reducing poaching and allowing fields to rest during the wetter months.

Out-wintering, whether on deferred grass, forage crops, or purpose-designed out-wintering pads, comes with its own advantages. Lower housing and machinery costs, reduced slurry handling, and the potential for improved cow fitness are significant attractions. Many farmers also value the labour efficiencies of out-wintering systems. When well-managed and matched to land capability, out-wintering can help reduce input costs and support more nature-friendly grazing practices — though careful attention to ground conditions, shelter and welfare is essential.

In this episode, we sit down with Beef and Sheep Specialist, Lorna Shaw for a broad discussion on the options available to farmers and crofters while considering whether to in or out-winter cattle and how to balance key management considerations, like land capability, infrastructure and performance targets. At the same time we’ll cover how best to work with the landscape, protect from environmental damage and blend practicality with innovation and sustainable land management.

Want to get in touch with Lorna? You can get a hold of her via telephone on 01738 505069 or by email at lorna.shaw@sac.co.uk.

Related Resources

Stock Talk – James Biggar & Lorna Galloway | FAS

Preparing for Winter Housing | Helping farmers in Scotland

Housing and Handling | Helping farmers in Scotland

Considerations For Outwintering Spring Calving Suckler Cows | Helping farmers in Scotland

MMN January 2025 – Outwintering Dairy Heifers | Helping farmers in Scotland

Placing Bales into Forage | Helping farmers in Scotland

Cows in their natural habitat – wintering on the hill