When feedyard profitability is discussed, attention is often focused on feed costs, cattle prices, and animal health. While these are all important, some of the most valuable investments a feedyard can make are not found in the ration or processing barn. Facility improvements that enhance pen conditions, cattle comfort, and labor efficiency can have lasting impacts on performance and cost of gain. 

Poor pen conditions can quietly erode feed efficiency, increase maintenance requirements, and drive up cost of gain throughout the feeding period. While the weather cannot be controlled, feedyard design and maintenance decisions can help to minimize the impact of mud and protect profitability. After all, the greatest returns often come from investments that improve conditions for the cattle. 

Start with Drainage 

If the water cannot leave the pen, other improvements can be made less effective. Poor drainage leads to mud accumulation which can reduce cattle comfort, increase energy for maintenance requirements, and increase labor demands. 

Producers should periodically evaluate the following questions: 

• Does water leave the pen quickly following a rainfall event? 
• Are there low spots where water consistently pools? 
• Are the drainage channels remaining open and functional? 
• Is runoff from roads, fields, or neighboring pens entering cattle pens? 

Practical steps to improve drainage include: 

• Leveling pens to eliminate low areas that collect water. 
• Maintaining proper pen slope towards drainage channels. 
• Cleaning ditches and drainage ways regularly. 
• Diverting runoff from adjacent areas away from cattle pens. 
• Regularly removing manure accumulations that restrict water movement. 
• Repairing high-traffic areas where heavy cattle activity has altered drainage patterns. 

Maintain Effective Pen Mounds 

Even in well-drained pens, cattle benefit from having access to a dry resting area. Pen mounds provide cattle with an elevated location that remains drier than the surrounding pen surface during muddy times.  

To maximize effectiveness, producers should consider: 

• Maintaining adequate mound height, generally 5 feet tall. 
• Providing at least 25 square feet per head of mound space. 
• Repair erosion and loss of shape over time. 
• Positioning mounds so water drains away from the resting area. 

Signs that mounds may need maintenance include: 

• Flattened mound profiles. 
• Standing water near the base of the mound. 
• Excessive manure accumulation. 
• Cattle crowding onto a small portion of the mound. 

Take-Home Message 

Effective mud management starts long before wet conditions develop. The best strategy for managing mud is mitigating it before it becomes a problem. Feedyards that prioritize drainage and maintain functional pen mounds are often better equipped to minimize mud, improve cattle comfort, and protect performance during wet conditions. For more information on managing mud in the feedyard, please contact Connor at 402-624-8007 or cbiehler2@unl.edu.