Drovers 2023 State of the Beef Industry Report
150th Anniversary State of the Industry report is designed to provide a benchmark of information to help producers make successful decisions.
Understanding Livestock Watering Habits
Animal behavior can influence the layout of a rancher’s watering system. These tips from the British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture and Lands can help with system design: To learn more about the basics of livestock watering systems, check out this webinar. Presenters Bill Reck, environmental engineer, and Kevin Ogles, grazing lands specialist with the USDA […]
The Top Key Water Monitoring Indicators
There are two water monitoring indicators that can address the timing and amount of water for livestock or other animal species on your farm, according to the Sustainable Rangelands Roundtable. Intermittent or ephemeral sources or no water may limit use in some areas. Vegetation management has been shown to impact stream and spring flows. Drought […]
How to Set Up a Fail-Proof Temporary Waterer for Farm Animals
To build a temporary watering system on his ranch, Greg Judy, Green Pastures Farm, Rucker, Missouri, uses 3/4-inch polyethylene tubing and high-quality hoses to bring the water from the source to the tank in the pasture. Fiberglass posts hold the tank in place and keep cattle from knocking it over. Sidewalls from earth moving tires […]
How Much Water Do Livestock Need?
Water is a key part of grazing livestock. Lack of water can reduce animal performance more quickly and severely than any other nutrient. This table from Roger Ingram, a farm advisor with the University of California, shows the amount of water per day different livestock require (see chart pdf below). “In cooler weather, below 75 […]
Healthy Soil and Water Management Tips
Improper fertilizer and animal waste application can affect soil and water resources. The Beef Quality Assurance Field Guide suggests these tips for monitoring and managing both soil and water to prevent contamination, reduce run-off and prevent the transfer of disease. Soil Management Tips: Water Management Tips: Casey Wade, vice president of ranching operations for Dixon […]