Soil Health under snow

A number of years ago we heard a speaker tell us that some of the greatest soil microbial activity occurs under the snow. Now how could that be? “Snow is one of the most amazing insulation materials in nature. It limits heat exchange. It stabilizes temperature.” (http://www.actforlibraries.org/the-insulation-properties-of-snow/)

Farmers with a winter wheat crop in the field were happy that we had the snow before experiencing the subzero temperatures. From the photo above, the fall 2020 pasture crop seeded into our perennial pastures look excellent and will hopefully really take off with the warm weather we are experiencing.

Soil not frozen?

As the herd moves through our pastures year round, we need to move portable fencing year round. Doug was surprised that he was able to just push portable fence posts right through the snow and into soft soil. He came up with the idea to investigate with a spade. Ok, not one of his best ideas, but it did make for some interesting photos and video.

How do the cattle fair in subzero weather?

Actually the herd does quite well in cold weather. In fact they probably do better in this cold weather compared to very hot weather. The reason? Cattle carry and active fermentation vat around with them year round. Read our summary in the Instagram post below: