Windbreaks for Livestock Operations

Windbreaks plan an important role in the protection of livestock, particularly in young animals and in areas with cold northerly winds during the winter and early spring. Properly designed and placed windbreaks can provide benefits to feedlots, liestock pastures, and calving areas. A well-thought-out and properly cared for windbreak protects livestock in both winter and summer.

Time spent on layout, site preparation, weed control, and replanting is paid back many times throughout the life of a windbreak. Topics covered in this guide include:

• Research-based information on how windbreaks benefit livestock, including cattle, swine, and sheep. Covers winter protection, summer protection, snow control, increased yields, working environment, screening unsightly areas, and wildlife habitat
• Designing Your Windbreak
• The Multi-Row Windbreak Design
• The Twin-Row, High-Density Design