From the Barns: Water source is low

The weather hasn’t presented too many challenges this winter, so far, but we know better than to celebrate just yet. We are still in a near-desperation need for runoff rain. We simply have ponds that have not been full for a long time — three years. The only proof I have that they can be full is photos from the past.

Water level is important here because I am referring to ponds that water cattle with water ramps. These ramps work great as long as the water level is adequate to keep them filled. The ramps are designed 15 feet wide, the width of the geotextile fabric holding the gravel for a permanent and safe approach of about a 4 to 1 slope, usually about a total of 30 to 40 feet long, half covered with water and half out of water.

Our best ramps afford about 2 feet of water depth for access. These ramps work really well for year-around watering and require almost no maintenance. More importantly, they are the only access cattle have to the ponds, assuring the safety, long life and cleanliness of that water supply.

As I write this, I am looking at a bulletin board photo, right in front of me, of our No. 13 pond, completely full and overflowing, which usually provides water for three separate paddocks. However, this pond is so low from lack of runoff rain that the ramp is completely dry. So, yesterday, I reached an agreement with a contractor for large track hoe work to enlarge the holding capacity by deepening and expanding into an area to the side of the ramp.

I am hoping that if we ever get the pond full again, it will have a much better chance to stay near full through droughty times. It will be an expensive project with a lot of dirt to move out into the paddocks or further away in places where it can be useful. Hopefully, the weather will allow us to get this done later this month or in March.

Our last group of 20 cows is still finishing up winter grazing on the stockpiled fescue. I saw them yesterday and they look terrific with slicked hair coats and nice body condition scores. They are looking at visitors with the anticipation that it is time to head back to the barn lots and sacrifice areas for some hay. What they don’t know is they won’t like that scene as much.

I mounted the ATV seeder on the red Honda yesterday and picked up 350 pounds of red clover seed for our frost seeding in our fescue paddocks. The frost seeding will be carried out over the next couple of weeks when I can tolerate the temperatures. I see a chance of light snow in the forecast. Some of the white stuff on the ground makes it easier to stay lined up for each pass and not get lost in space.

I will be speaking on Feb. 15 at the Southern Iowa Grazing Conference in Bloomfield on the “Economics of Grazing,” or probably more appropriately, “Can We Make Money Grazing?” I am lined up in a breakout session opposite Joel Salatin, editor of the Stockman Grass Farmer, so sure hope I have a few interested to talk to.

When we’re in a good time of our lives such as now in the cattle business, we tend to forget and take it all for granted. But these blessings are like precious rain. We should be wise to cherish our joys and successes and plan ahead for less prosperous times. Our national scene is chaotic. So, don’t overreact and stay safe and sane.