Ohio Farmers Prepare for Challenges of Mud Season

By Andi Anderson

As per Garth Ruff, Beef Cattle Field Specialist, OSU Extension, farmers often describe the year in four seasons, but cattle producers in Ohio experience a more complex cycle.

Instead of the traditional Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter, many cattle farmers recognize six management seasons: Winter, Mud, Calving, Hay, Breeding, and Marketing. These periods often overlap depending on rainfall, temperature, and overall weather conditions.

As winter slowly ends, farmers now enter what many consider the most difficult time of year—mud season. Mud creates major challenges for both livestock and those who care for them.

Wet, heavy soil sticks to boots, clings to equipment, and makes daily work slower and more tiring. More importantly, muddy conditions significantly affect cattle health, comfort, and nutrition.

Springs in Ohio and the eastern Corn Belt are gradually becoming warmer and wetter. This trend results in longer periods of mud and standing water in livestock areas. When cattle stand in mud that is several inches deep, their energy requirements increase sharply.

Mud depth can raise energy needs by more than 30%, while reducing feed intake by 15–30%. Cows burn additional calories trying to move through mud, lose insulation from wet hair coats, and experience lower milk production and declining body condition.

Young calves are especially vulnerable in these conditions, as cold and wet environments increase the risk of illness.

To support cows during late‑gestation and early‑calving periods, farmers can provide energy supplements. Research from the Ohio State University Eastern Agricultural Research Station shows that cows in muddy environments may need an additional 1.8 Mcal of Net Energy per day.

This requirement can be met with approximately 2.5 pounds of whole shelled corn. Even when corn is priced at $7 per bushel, the added cost is only about $0.25 per head per day, making it a cost‑effective option compared to additional hay.

Farmers may also adjust hay‑feeding strategies. Unrolling large round bales works best when the ground is frozen, helping reduce waste and offering drier resting spots for calves.

However, during mud season, only the amount cattle can consume in one day should be unrolled.

In summary, mud season adds stress to cattle and farmers alike. Extra feeding, careful management, and patience are essential as producers work to maintain herd health until conditions improve.

With hope, the 2026 mud season will pass quickly—and with fewer muddy footprints tracked into the house.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-ahavelaar