A fairly mild start to winter eased some of the stress around winter feeding this year with livestock producers being able to extend their grazing season.

Leah Clark, Regional Livestock Specialist with Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Agriculture says having a good management plan in place is always important.

"We recommend that producers test their forages, once the testing is done they can use one of the livestock specialists to help them understand the test and assist in putting together rations. Doing testing and rations together can help save producers money in the long run by making efficient use of their feed."

When the cold temperatures do hit producers will want to increase the energy portion in their ration.

She says a good rule is to increase grain at a rate of 1 pound per head per day for every 5 degrees Celsius that the temperature is below -20 degrees Celsius at mid day.