Dynamic Pastures in Farming Simulator 25: New Way of Feeding Animals
In previous articles, we discussed a new type of livestock that will be available for raising in FS25 – water buffalo. Briefly mentioned were the pastures where these animals could graze.
Let’s dive deeper into the topic of pastures and explore what new possibilities related to grazing will appear in Farming Simulator 25 and the benefits they offer.
Introduction to Dynamic Pastures and a New Level of Realism
One of the most awaited changes introduced by the developers in Farming Simulator 25 is animal grazing on natural pastures. It introduces a new feature that will see cows, sheep and other livestock moved off farm land to fields with fences allowing them feed of lush green grass.
Now, rather than requiring you to collect feed for the animals they can be led over to a pasture where players are free to graze on their own. It’s economical, isn’t it? The amount of money you can save on purchasing feed is just mind boggling. Please remember though that with the improved seasonal changes in FS25, your animals will not be able to graze on these fields at all during winter when there is a heavy snowfall.
Creating Pastures: How to Organize Grazing Properly
Farming Simulator 25 includes a feature that lets you create pastures yourself by setting up fences and designating areas for grazing. You can place pastures wherever you want – close to your farm or far from it if you prefer.
Here’s a quick guide to creating these pastures:
- Select a large grassy area that you own as the location for the pasture.
- Using the build menu, construct fences to define the pasture boundaries. These will keep animals from wandering outside the designated grazing area.
- If the area doesn’t have enough grass, it’s recommended to plant it, so the animals have enough to feed on.
New Animal Types and Growth Stages
Farming Simulator 25 introduces new animals, including goats and buffalo, adding more variety for farmers. They thrive in tropical and subtropical areas with plenty of grass, which is their primary food source. For these animals, creating grass-covered areas will maximize profits from the milk they produce.
Let’s review the animal growth stages:
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Young: Young animals require extra care and attention.
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Juvenile Stage: Growing animals start providing more value to the farm.
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Adult Stage: Adult animals reach peak productivity, offering milk, wool, or meat.
These growth stages give farmers greater control over herd management, allowing them to plan resources and profits based on the age and condition of the animals.
Grazing in Winter
One key aspect of pasture management is bringing animals back to the barn during winter. When grazing becomes impossible due to snow and lack of fresh grass, players will need to have sufficient feed stockpiled to keep animals fed and healthy until the new season begins.
In winter, animals will require special care. First and foremost, it's important to stock up on feed in advance to avoid any shortages. As soon as the cold sets in, make sure to bring all animals back into the barn, where feeding them will be easier, and they will be protected from the harsh weather. Don’t forget to insulate the barn by preparing bedding and making it comfortable for wintering – this will help the animals endure the cold months safely and warmly.Thinking several steps ahead and preparing shelter for animals adds complexity but also makes the gameplay more engaging, don’t you think?
Advantages and Features of the New Pasture System
The advantages of using pasture over purchased feed are obvious: animals can forage for their own food on pasture and save a lot of money on feed. Grazing also improves the health of the animals, which has a positive effect on their productivity.
In addition, grass grows naturally and quickly, eliminating the need for regular feed replenishment and complex logistical chains.
Pastures won’t completely eliminate the need to find feed for animals. Winter will still require feed stockpiling, but pastures will reduce the burden significantly during warmer seasons, allowing you to focus on other tasks.