Pasture next to a river

[arbullet]

Silly question from a want-to-be rancher.

My future homestead is 20 acres and next to a river. While it is fenced on 3 sides already, it's open on the river side. It is fenced to the rivers edge. The river bank is about 10' high but there is 6 old washes that deer and other wildlife use right now. At one time it was just a hay field.

During the early hours of the day. The water level is roughly 6" to 1' deep. Once they start releasing water and generating electricity up the river. The water level raises close to 4'.

So during the early hours of the day, I can't think of anything to keep the cattle from walking around the fence, while getting a drink of water. Any ideas what I can do?

Attached is a Google Earth photo of the property. The dark line that runs from 12 o'clock to 9 o'clock, is a dry creek. Thinking of making a small pond around that area. I have a buddy that has a small bulldozer and he's ready to try building a pond but rather let the cattle drink out of the river if possible.


Thanks.

[Rosepath]

This is just me, but I'd not be wanting my cattle (dairy here) to drink out of a river. Especially if there's runoff from any ag fields upstream, or if any kind of other chemicals could be in there from time to time.
Besides, the cattle will tear up muddy banks, causing more erosion and this can put the kibosh on your fence posts, etc. A pond would be on your property and therefore you'd have better water quality.
Just free advice, worth what you paid for it

[arbullet]

Thanks. That makes alot of sense. Well I wanted a pond anyway.

[simi-steading]

When you start digging ponds on river banks, and have livestock running in and out of the river causing erosion, and defecating in the water, ABC agencies tend to start asking questions. Around here, people call if they see a pig in the creek and the DNR will show up..

Check local laws, especially concerning digging that pond...

[MO_cows]

I would fence them out of the river. Cattle will tear up the banks, especially with the water rise and fall you described. When they plow thru the mud at "low tide" it won't be pretty and will degrade the water quality. And it will be a constant battle to keep them from wandering off from that escape point. Whoever said the grass is greener on the other side was talking about cattle.

[farmerDale]

Fence them out of the river and pump the water TO them. Could get the water tested to see if it is safe.

[sammyd]

yes, far better to bring the water to them. Have some friends who would like to go organic but they can not get certification because every pasture borders a stream, some streams have to be crossed to get to other pastures, and it would be impossible to fence them out of the water. Certifier figures that the streams are not organic.

[Jennifer L.]

If nothing else, water fences are a big PITA. I had them for years here on the shore of Lake Ontario, and let me tell you, in the summertime cows like to go wading. It's very difficult to get a fence out far enough into the water that they won't go around them at some point. You need anchors in the water, or some other way to extend the fence out securely. And they have to rebuilt after every winter because the ice will raise the dickens with them.

If you have any alternative rather than water fences, go that route.

[arbullet]

The appraisal has the property looking like this. (430 yds x 211 yds is going off Google Earth). This is how she looks right now. With it only fenced on three sides.

I did find out there is a old well I can use for water, so that was a added bonus to my OP.



This is what I'd like to do with the property (excuse my hand writing and cheesy drawing).



That was the easy part. Mainly because I'd like my cabin next to the river and on that corner of the pasture.

Just guessing here. Figure I'll have roughly 15 to 16 acres out of 20 acres for my future livestock.

Best case scenario. In a few years and once I have experience with Lowline cattle. I'd like to keep (1) bull and (5-6) cows.

Should I even think about cross fencing it? Can you rotational graze with only 15 acres? Where would y'all put a hay barn? Thinking a corral near the gate. What else am I missing on my drawing?

[Zimobog]

My advice is move the dwelling and animals away as far from the water as possible. If you ever want a well, a septic, or insurance on the structures that is. Bodies of water have a funny way of not staying put.
Also you don't want no heavy-handed beaurocrat saying nothing about run-off or nothing.

[G. Seddon]

Cows with access to rivers can cause problems....pollution of the water as well as danger to curious calves and cows who elect to give birth in the water, not to mention the difficulties of fencing.

Why not get in touch with someone at your regional soil/water organization, or the NRCS, or your agricultural extension agent for some other options that will provide water but be safe for your cattle and the environment?

[Rosepath]

Unless the bank is a high bluff, siting your cabin and other buildings that close to the river would be unwise. Google "flood photos" and you'll see what happens to structures inundated by that 100 year flood, which seems to happen around here every 12 years or so. Besides, as mentioned above, insurance agents won't insure something with that much risk. A friend lost his river cabin to fire not long ago, the river was out and the cabin, on high ground, was surrounded by water. All the fire dept could do was watch the show from half mile away, they couldn't get the trucks to his cabin since they're not amphibious vehicles, LOL.
Maybe put the buildings at the other end, or in the middle, depends on access and how the lane runs to get onto the property.

[arbullet]

I understand and thanks for everyone's concern. There is already a 1970 model house trailer in that corner, that's been there for years.

I'm told there is a septic tank but haven't found it yet.

Besides the southeast corner (which is a Indian mound), its the highest part of the property.