On our farm, winter is one of the most demanding times of the year. With dairy cows and younger herds, laying hens, 200 beef cattle, 3,000 acres of cropland, our own processing facilities, and all our own trucking, there is no off-season.

Providing for Our Animals When the Weather Doesn’t

During the winter, the animals of South Mountain see their homes transformed, adding side walls for protection against the cold. Keeping animals comfortable is a top priority, and we work diligently to ensure that they have the appropriate amount of bedding to remain dry, clean, and warm. Our workload also includes more barn cleaning and manure handling, as well as more attention to ventilation, air quality, and animal health.

“When animals are inside more, the workload goes up,” says Ben Sowers, co-owner of South Mountain Creamery. “Comfort doesn’t happen by accident; it takes time and attention every day.”

Even though pasture growth stops in the winter, our animals still require sustenance. This is where our planning comes in, as we use stored feed such as silage, hay, and other feeds harvested and stored earlier in the year. Cold temperatures also increase energy needs, which means more feed is needed for each animal.

Winter doesn’t pause our production. Our dairy cows still require daily milking. Our calves still require care, our most vulnerable even getting coats to help fight off the cold weather. Laying hens continue producing eggs even on the coldest mornings.

“There isn’t just one system here,” Ben says. “Each group of animals has different needs, and winter magnifies how important it is to get the details right.”

“When animals are inside more, the workload goes up. Comfort doesn’t happen by accident; it takes time and attention every day. Each group of animals has different needs, and winter magnifies how important it is to get the details right!”

— Ben Sowers, Co-Owner, South Mountain Creamery

The Cold Brings Unexpected Challenges

In the winter months, the cold makes every chore more difficult. Gates refuse to swing, hoses don’t bend, and equipment takes longer to warm up. Adding winter weather, such as snow, sleet, and rain, to this mix means that every job must be carefully planned around the harsh weather.
We handle all our own trucking year-round, hauling milk, and delivering finished creamery products.

“Food doesn’t stop moving just because it’s winter,” Ben says. “Neither do we.”

Freezing weather brings its own challenge in water. Water systems that work perfectly in warm weather can freeze overnight, meaning farm mornings begin early: breaking ice, thawing lines, and checking waterers to ensure that every cow, calf, and hen has access to clean, fresh water.

“If something freezes overnight, that’s where your morning starts—no matter how cold it is,” Ben notes.

Preparation for Spring and Environmental Advocacy

Winter starts planning for the year ahead. Every piece of equipment—tractors, trucks, feeding equipment, planting and harvesting machinery—is brought back to peak performance before spring arrives. Frozen ground allows fences and fencerows to be tidied up. Winter is also a time of reflection and planning. Our team sets cropping plans for next year after reviewing farm, herd, and cropping data. They review nutrition and manure management plans for each animal, ensuring they get the proper nutrients they need.

Although winter is a busy season, it is one of the few times a year when farmers can step away from daily fieldwork and focus on education and advocacy. While crops aren’t being planted or harvested, the work of protecting agriculture continues, often in meeting rooms instead of fields.

The Frederick Soil Conservation District was founded by Fred Beachley, the father of our own founder, Karen Sowers. We continue to work closely with the District, collaborating with county and state leaders on agriculture and responsible environmental stewardship.

Even though South Mountain Creamery has its own market, winter advocacy helps support neighboring farms dealing with growth pressure and preserved farmland expectations.

There is something about winter that goes beyond hard work. It is a season of rebuilding and getting ready for growth, both on the farm and in life.