Countryside Conservancy Blog

I remember my first job at a horse barn, working at a thoroughbred training center.   On icy days or when temperatures were below freezing the horses didn't train, so we turned them out.  I was instructed to always blanket the five horses in my shed-row when they went out.   It seemed like a no-brainer to me - it's cold - wear a coat, right?   One day I was sent to fill in at the brood barn where all the mama and baby horses stayed.   It was also home to all the pony horses (Quarter Horses that ride alongside horses in training).   It was 15 degrees with wind chills well below zero.  All the horses were out at pasture.   We were checking the water and I naively asked my boss where their blankets were.  He looked at me, smiled, and said, "You're new at this, huh?   Only the show ponies need blankets."  I didn't dare ask for a further explanation.  Later I found out it was because those horses were not clipped and were allowed to grow their natural winter coats - which explained why they all looked like disheveled woolly mammoths compared to their well-primped neighbors at the training barn.

I quickly learned caloric intake was the key for all animals to raise their metabolic rates and generate sufficient body heat, not the barns or the blankets.  Squirrels tuck away nuts, deer browse on branches and farm animals graze all day long.   My own mare lived to be over 30 and never wore a blanket until she got old.   She had a three-sided shed for shelter, but even on the very coldest of nights I would look out my window and see her standing out in the middle of her pasture away from her shed, in the clear, black, frigid air.

As in all species, temperature extremes are especially hard on the elderly and sick. On my own farm I would always give the really old layers a heat lamp and extra straw, but on occasion I'd still lose a hen or two during winter and to heat in summer.   The lesson I learned from this was that this is real life.  Sometimes, no matter what, I was going to see life come and go. And if I was going to be a farmer, I'd have to come to terms with that - and I have.

This year, with our "Polar Blast," many people are concerned about the welfare of our Countryside Initiative farm animals.   Please be assured they are fine.  These animals are born and raised outside like deer and other wildlife.   Horses are allowed to grow their thick winter coats and the sheep, pigs, poultry and goats can also handle the cold weather just fine with some extra care.   To keep warm they need extra calories, so farmers increase their animals' feed rations in winter.   They need and get ample supplies of fresh water.  They also require shelter from adverse weather.  A row of hedges or shrubs can be adequate, as are a three-sided tent, hoop house or open access to a structure.   This link from an OSU farm animal expert talks about the steps farmers take to increase feed rations in winter. 

Having farm animals outside during winter is completely acceptable.    The animals are well cared for, and they get sunshine, fresh air, exercise, shelter from the wind, lots of healthy food to keep them warm, and regular fresh water.   All our farmers, at bare minimum, are required to follow the Ohio livestock care standards.  You can read these guidelines here.

Certainly we understand people unfamiliar with farming would be concerned, but this is how and where our food comes from.   It is important to distinguish animals in their respective groups: we have pets, livestock/farm animals, and wildlife.   Pets that are not bred to be outdoors should be brought inside in dangerous weather conditions.  Most livestock breeds are meant to be outside, just as are wildlife.   That said, can an animal die in winter?  Yes.   Sick and elderly animals can and do die even when good management is in place.  While this is unfortunate, it should not be seen as a symptom of negligence- animals do die in the wild and in captivity.

We realize that some people disagree with how others raise their animals.   We also realize that some people disagree with raising livestock completely.  We respect those ideas too.   Food and animal ideologies can be very diverse, but just as with religious values, we need to have respect and coexist.

I believe in the mission Countryside stands for, which includes sustainably raised, healthy, local food.   And I believe in the Initiative farmers that work hard every day to bring us that food.   But please, never hesitate to call me if you have specific questions or concerns, or if you suspect neglect or abuse to an animal.   I am always happy to check into things.