Water Tank

[HDRider]

I am converting to intensive grazing with rotational paddocks. Watering is an issue. What would you recommend for water tanks in each paddock? I want something that won’t freeze or someway to keep water liquid. My temps dip to zero in the winter, but they come back up to 33 degrees or more pretty quick.

How do I solve this dilemma?

Thanks

[SCRancher]

My temps get to freezing occasionally through the winter but usually reach thaw temperatures in the afternoon enough to unfreeze the hose that supplies my water cart.

Anyway here is what I use. It's not perfect in the winter as it will occasionally freeze and the temps won't get high enough to melt for a few days.

So I do keep a single fixed water station near electricity with a tank heater installed in the drain port.

You can see my setup in this location - scroll down it's a long post. any ideas for converting to rotational grazing?

[HDRider]

Originally Posted by SCRancher

My temps get to freezing occasionally through the winter but usually reach thaw temperatures in the afternoon enough to unfreeze the hose that supplies my water cart.

Anyway here is what I use. It's not perfect in the winter as it will occasionally freeze and the temps won't get high enough to melt for a few days.

So I do keep a single fixed water station near electricity with a tank heater installed in the drain port.

You can see my setup in this location - scroll down it's a long post. any ideas for converting to rotational grazing?

I looked at that post. I did not see any pictures. ??

[SCRancher]

I see them - not sure if anyone else does - hopefully someone else will chime in and give us a hand.

[genebo]

I use a frost free freedom fountain in Virginia, about the same temperatures as you have. It never freezes.

I also have a 100 gallon Rubbermaid stock waterer tank that I sunk into the ground and fed from the bottom. That one gets a skim of ice overnight sometimes, but thaws by 10 AM. Once in a great while, I'll break the ice on top of the water and throw it out, but that's only when the temps are in single digits.

Sinking it into the ground is the key. If you can get the bottom down below the frost line then the heat of the earth will flow upward into the water. Around here our ground temperature stays near 54 degrees yer round.

A benefit is that the water also stays cool in the summer.

[agmantoo]

HDRider

How many animals will you be watering? How much acreage will these animals be traveling over? What is the general shape of the property? Where is the nearest water located? Is it a well, spring, stream or pond?

[HDRider]

Originally Posted by agmantoo

HDRider

How many animals will you be watering? How much acreage will these animals be traveling over? What is the general shape of the property? Where is the nearest water located? Is it a well, spring, stream or pond?

I have different setups for water. I am trying to keep the water as close to the cattle as I can. My paddock size will vary depending on the number of cattle I run at any given time. The paddocks will be long and narrow, water in the middle when I can.

My goal herd size is ~100 cow/calves. I will be running them on about 130 acres. I want a paddock to be about three days grazing.

I have two water tanks feeding off a pond. I am putting in four more like that.

Some will be off my well directly.

Some will be setup for me to fill them from tank on a trailer.

I have two sources for water. My well and the ponds I have and build. I want lots of ponds.

My property can almost be broken down in 4 40-acre blocks. It has 3 creeks (that run after a rain) running through it at various angles.


I recognize your screen name as one who knows a lot about this subject. So thanks in advance, and know, I have paid particular attention to you. Do you participate in Cattle Today forums?

[HDRider]

Originally Posted by genebo

I use a frost free freedom fountain in Virginia, about the same temperatures as you have. It never freezes.

I also have a 100 gallon Rubbermaid stock waterer tank that I sunk into the ground and fed from the bottom. That one gets a skim of ice overnight sometimes, but thaws by 10 AM. Once in a great while, I'll break the ice on top of the water and throw it out, but that's only when the temps are in single digits.

Sinking it into the ground is the key. If you can get the bottom down below the frost line then the heat of the earth will flow upward into the water. Around here our ground temperature stays near 54 degrees yer round.

A benefit is that the water also stays cool in the summer.

I have a four hole Ritchie. Kinda expensive.

I found this article. It did not mention Freedom Fountain brand. http://www.americancattlemen.com/cat...stock-waterers

I like the idea of the Rubbermaid in the ground. Sounds cheaper. How do you clean it out?

[genebo]

Originally Posted by HDRider

..... I like the idea of the Rubbermaid in the ground. Sounds cheaper. How do you clean it out?

About once a year, I tie the float up with a stick across the tank, then dip the water out with a bucket. I use a flat scoop to get all the goop out, wipe it down, and let the float go. It refills with clean water.

The Freedom Fountain is now made by Behlen. It's pricey, but works flawlessly. It uses air from the ground and a big insulated tube to keep the water near ground temperature. No electricity. Mine is 6 years old and has needed no maintenance so far.

I fill my waterers from 2000' of 1" water line, trenched below the frost line. The water comes from a deep well.

[agmantoo]

Originally Posted by HDRider

I have different setups for water. I am trying to keep the water as close to the cattle as I can. My paddock size will vary depending on the number of cattle I run at any given time. The paddocks will be long and narrow, water in the middle when I can.
As long as the cattle do not have to travel more than 800 ft to water that should be sufficient.

My goal herd size is ~100 cow/calves. I will be running them on about 130 acres. I want a paddock to be about three days grazing.
You must be planning to feed hay during the Winter months. IMO there are too many variables to try to size the paddocks to a specific number of days. The forage will grow more in some seasons than other seasons. Rain or the lack thereof will impact the quality and quantity of the forage. I suggest that you have the paddocks where you can vary the size using polywire and pigtail posts.

I have two water tanks feeding off a pond. I am putting in four more like that. I like not having to depend on pumped water

Some will be off my well directly.
During a drought well water could be essential

Some will be setup for me to fill them from tank on a trailer.
Personally I would not plan on doing this. It is too labor intensive. Additionally cattle need a lot of water when it is hot. Delivering 3000 gallons a day could be a problem

I have two sources for water. My well and the ponds I have and build. I want lots of ponds. I fully understand and appreciate having ample water. Good water is as important as good feed. Maybe even more so.

My property can almost be broken down in 4 40-acre blocks. It has 3 creeks (that run after a rain) running through it at various angles. Spend a lot of time with your planning. Flipping a pencil over and erasing is much easier than taking fence up


I recognize your screen name as one who knows a lot about this subject. Have your read any of the long sticky regarding rotational grazing at the top of this cattle forum? So thanks in advance, and know, I have paid particular attention to you. Do you participate in Cattle Today forums?

I do venture over to Cattle Today. For me that is a difficult site to try to be friendly and to share ideas. There are a lot of sarcastic people there.