Swath grazing: An alternative approach to winter feeding

By Kim Ricardo, SDSU Extension
Oct 27, 2026
2 hrs ago

Swath grazing prep — For swath grazing, “you’re making hay but you’re not making bales,” says Garland Dahlke, an animal scientist and researcher at Iowa State University. “You mow the grass and put in a windrow and let the cows pick it up.”
Photo courtesy Beth Reynolds/Iowa State University Extension

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By Kim Ricardo, SDSU Extension

Winter feed costs account for roughly 25-35% of total annual production costs in the cow-calf sector. Factoring in costs of harvesting, baling, hauling, storing and feeding hay, the costs of maintaining cattle through the winter can add up quickly.

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Kim Ricardo is South Dakota State University Extension forage field specialist at the Pierre Regional Center. Reach her at 605-773-8120 or Kimberly.ricardo@sdstate.edu.