Behind the Barn Doors: Winter Animal Care at Fairmont Farm

As the temperature drops throughout winter, most people retreat to the warmth of their living rooms. But for the team at Fairmont Farm, a "deep freeze" means it's time to step up.

We believe that high-quality food starts with exceptional animal care. Whether it’s our dairy herd, beef cattle, sheep, swine, or even our cats and dogs, animal comfort is our top priority—especially when the thermometer hits those brutal numbers. Here is a look at what goes on behind the barn doors to keep our animals thriving through the winter.

The Youngest Arrivals: Calf Coats and Cozy Pens

Newborn calves are the most vulnerable to the cold. To give them the best start, we utilize "calf coats"—think of them as cozy, insulated winter jackets specifically designed for calves. These jackets help them regulate their body temperature so they can spend their energy on growing instead of just staying warm.

In addition to their coats, our calves are tucked into pens with deep, fresh straw bedding. We use a "nesting" standard—meaning the straw should be deep enough that the calf can completely nestle down into it, creating a natural pocket of warm air around their body.

Dairy Comfort: Sand Bedding and Climate Control

Our dairy cows live in "freestall" barns, which allow them to move around, eat, and socialize whenever they please. Even in the winter, these barns are designed for maximum comfort. We use sand bedding, which is not only hygienic but provides excellent traction and comfort.

While you might be freezing, a cow’s "comfort zone" is actually much lower than a human’s (they prefer it between 40 and 60 degrees!). However, when it gets extremely cold, we manage the barn curtains and ventilation to block the biting wind while still providing the fresh air they need to stay healthy.

Beef, Sheep, and Swine: The Winter Routine

Our meat animals have their own specific winter requirements:

• Beef Cattle: Our beef herd develops thick, shaggy winter coats that act as natural insulation. We ensure they have access to windbreaks and plenty of high-energy forage to keep their internal "furnaces" burning hot.

• Swine: Our pigs are sensitive to drafts. We keep their housing secure and well-insulated, ensuring they have plenty of room to huddle together—their favorite way to share body heat.

• Sheep: With their woolly coats, our sheep are winter pros, but we still ensure they have dry, draft-free spaces and constant access to fresh, unfrozen water.

The Human Element: The 4:00 AM Cold

None of this comfort would be possible without our dedicated barn staff. Their routine becomes much more demanding in sub-zero weather. They are out in the barns by 4:00 AM, checking every water line to ensure nothing has frozen, refreshing bedding, and monitoring every animal for signs of stress.

Winter farming is a game of details—making sure the milk for the calves is the perfect warm temperature, ensuring the feed rations have enough energy for the cold, and constantly moving to stay ahead of the frost.

A Commitment to Comfort

At Fairmont Farm, we take our responsibility as caretakers of these animals seriously. We know that when an animal is comfortable, dry, and well-fed, they are happy. And a happy animal is the foundation of the high-quality products you find at Fairmont Market.

Next time you're enjoying a glass of milk or a Fairmont steak, know that a lot of love (and a lot of extra straw!) went into bringing it to your table.

Stay warm out there,

The Fairmont Team