How We Raise 100% Grass-Fed Beef During Winter in Greenfield, IN

Many people in Central Indiana assume that local grass-fed beef is strictly a seasonal here. A common misconception is that once the snow falls, cattle must be moved indoors or switched to grain.

But here at Tyner Pond Farm in Greenfield, the reality is quite different. If you drive past our fields in January or February, you will see our herd thriving outdoors, often with snow on their backs and green grass in their mouths.

How is that possible? It comes down to a regenerative farming technique called “Stockpiled Forage” and the incredible natural resilience of our cattle. Here is the science behind why our beef stays nutrient-dense and delicious all year round.

1. Why Snow on a Cow is a Good Sign

When the snow starts flying, the most common question we get at the farm is: “Are the cows cold out there?”

It is a fair question. To us humans, standing in a snowy field sounds miserable. But for our cattle, the snow actually tells us a very important story about their health.

Next time you see our herd, look closely at their backs. You will often see a layer of snow sitting there, unmelted.

This is actually the best possible sign. Think of a house: if snow melts off the roof immediately, it means the house is poorly insulated and losing heat from the inside. It is the same with cattle.

Because the snow stays on their backs, it proves their thick winter coats are doing their job—trapping their body heat inside the animal. They are essentially wearing high-performance thermal parkas designed by nature.

2. Stockpiled Forage: The Salad Bar Under the Snow

The second thing you might notice—if you look closely at their mouths—is fresh green grass, even in the dead of winter.

Many people assume "Grass-Fed" stops when the snow falls, but we practice a regenerative method called Stockpiling.

In the fall, we let specific pastures grow tall and lush, saving them specifically for December and January grazing. When the snow covers these fields, it acts like a giant refrigerator, keeping the forage underneath crisp and green.

Our cows use their muzzles to sweep the snow aside and find nutrient-dense fresh grass waiting below. This allows them to maintain a natural diet year-round, rather than relying solely on hay or grain.

3. Why This Matters for Your Dinner Table

Because our herd stays active, warm, and well-fed on actual grass (not just grain in a barn), the beef retains that high nutrient density and deep flavor all year round.

We believe that letting cows be cows—even in the winter—results in a healthier animal and a better product for your family.

Bonus: Farmer's Kitchen Hack 🥩

Speaking of winter beef, are you looking for a hearty meal that doesn't break the bank?

We recently shared a tip on our Facebook page about the Rump Roast. While most people slow-cook it, you can actually slice a Rump Roast thin while it is partially frozen to create incredible Stir-Fry Strips. It is a great way to get a steak-quality dinner for a fraction of the price.

Ready to stock your freezer? We are delivering weekly to doorsteps across Central Indiana. Click here to shop our Winter Beef Favorites.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What do grass-fed cattle eat when there is snow on the ground? A: Even in winter, our herd eats a 100% forage diet. We use a method called "stockpiling," where we save specific pastures (often Fescue) during the late summer so the cattle can graze them in winter. When the snow gets too deep or the stockpile runs low, we feed them high-quality hay that we harvested earlier in the year. They never receive grain or corn, regardless of the season.

Q: Is it safe for cattle to be outside in Greenfield winters without a barn? A: Yes. Cattle are ruminants with a fermentation vat inside them (the rumen) that generates a tremendous amount of internal body heat as they digest fiber. Combined with their thick winter coats—which we breed them for—they are incredibly comfortable in cold temperatures. In fact, they often prefer being outside in the fresh air over being crowded in a barn, which can lead to respiratory issues.

Q: Does the taste or nutrition of the beef change in the winter? A: Because we maintain a strict forage diet (standing grass or dried hay), the nutritional profile of our 100% grass-fed beef remains consistent year-round. We don't "fatten them up" with cheap fillers just because it is cold. This ensures you get the same nutrient density and flavor profile in January that you expect in July.