We always let the cows have a small and protected pasture we call the winter yard when they first come to our farm. It is surrounded by trees, has lots of grass, is close to our house, and it is easy for the cows to find their way back to the water trough.
We will open the bigger pasture when this field is eaten down. The cows will have settled into their new surroundings by then and can be trusted to explore the whole place.
