> ## Knowledge Base Index
> Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://help.eshepherd.com/sitemap.xml
> Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further.
> Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash).

# Winter Grazing

##### Mud Buildup on Neckbands During Winter Grazing

When grazing cattle on winter crops such as **Kale** or **Fodder Beet**, virtual fencing neckbands can become heavily soiled with mud. This is because the device hangs beneath the animal’s neck and can come into frequent contact with wet soil, mud, and crop residue - especially in **low-growing crops**.
Excessive mud buildup on the **solar panels** can block sunlight and **prevent effective charging**, leading to devices running low on power or shutting down altogether.

##### Why It Happens

* **Low crop height** (e.g. Fodder Beet) means the device is often dragged through mud as animals graze.
* **Wet and muddy ground conditions** are common in winter, especially in intensively grazed paddocks.
* **Solar panel orientation**: the panels face outward on either side of the neckband, so mud can easily accumulate and dry on the surface, blocking sunlight.

##### Signs of Mud-Related Issues

You may notice:
* Devices reporting **low or no charging** in the app (see alert icons below).
* A gradual **drop in battery levels** across the herd.
* A visible layer of **mud or residue** on the neckbands’ solar panels.


![Battery and Solar Panel Alerts on the eShepherd Web App](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/7/c/4/a/7c4a69b665288400/battery-and-solar-alerts_us0wx7.png =500x186)



##### Recommended Mitigation Steps

To maintain device performance during muddy conditions:


###### 1. Regularly Check Solar Panels

Inspect a sample of neckbands every few days when grazing in wet conditions. Look for dried mud, debris, or crop residue covering the solar panels.

###### 2. Wash the Devices as Needed

If panels appear dirty or charging has slowed:
* Bring cattle into the yards.
* Use **clean water and a brush or sponge** to remove mud from both solar panels.
* **Be careful when using high-pressure hoses -** avoid blasting into the audio holes on the perimeter of the neckband.

###### 3. Allow Devices to Recharge

If at all possible, let devices spend a few hours in direct sunlight to recover some charge levels.

###### 4. Rotate Grazing Areas

If practical, rotate cattle to **drier paddocks** or slightly higher ground when conditions become too muddy.

###### 5. Crop-Specific Considerations

* **Kale**: Generally, less problematic due to taller growth, but still monitor during wet periods.
* **Fodder Beet**: Requires more frequent checks and cleaning due to close ground contact.




Mud buildup is a normal challenge when grazing cattle on winter crops, especially low-growing varieties. Regular cleaning of the solar panels is essential to maintain charging performance and ensure reliable operation of your virtual fencing devices.

By incorporating routine inspections and wash-downs into your winter management practices, you can help ensure consistent device performance throughout the season.




![Kale](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/7/c/4/a/7c4a69b665288400/20199-152587_z3vf5n.jpg =600x451)

![Fodder Beet](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/7/c/4/a/7c4a69b665288400/1dry-cows-grazing-fodder-beet-_15h2x4h.jpg =600x338)


v1.0, 11/2025