Fencing the windbreak and snowdrift area will protect the trees and keep the livestock from being trapped in snowdrifts. We've also heard positive statements from dairymen about how tree windbreaks create an improved environment that results in increased milk production, better animal health and fewer problems at calving. Without protection, milk production in a dairy herd may decline as the windchill index becomes more severe. Research shows that windbreak protection can increase milk production by 25 percent in some species of cattle. As with beef cattle, wind protection significantly reduces the cost of feed in a dairy operation.
Cold stress can cause mastitis, an udder disease, and also cattle death.
In addition to improving the comfort of dairy cattle, a well-designed windbreak can provide better working conditions for producers around the milking barn and feeding areas. In addition, windbreaks reduce heating costs in the milking parlor, improve wildlife habitat, reduce offensive odors and beautify the farmstead. KFS foresters are offering trees and shrubs for livestock windbreaks and other types of windbreaks and conservation plantings. To obtain a list of available plants and their cost, see the County Conservation or Extension office soon, before your favorite species sell out. They have order forms and can help a producer select the best trees for his project.