Winter — dormancy and planning

Protect crowns and next spring while stock are still on the land.

Grass is mostly dormant. Management shifts from harvest to protection — of crowns, soil, and trees.

Grass: Little regrowth; sacrifice areas beat wrecking next spring’s best paddocks.
Animals / density: Loafing patterns matter more than forage “readiness.” Keep density from turning mud into permanent thin spots.
Trees: Browse and rub still count. Check protection before spring green-up hides damage — establishment.

Use the quiet months to plan next year’s rotation, density, and any new tree rows (layout patterns). Come spring, you want a plan, not a scramble. Year spine: Mid-Atlantic pasture year.