Project Overview
No final report was received so results are unknown.
Commodities
- Animals: bovine
- Animal Products: meat
Practices
- Animal Production: grazing management
Summary:
Economic evaluation and practical performance evaluation of water distribution systems using underground pipe with risers and portable water tanks is critical to establishment of high intensive rotational grazing systems. Acceptance of the grant would provide a water distribution system for the continual development of high intensity rotational grazing systems. One year of daily move grazing system was accomplished during 1992. Water was hauled to the cattle during the first year. However, labor and wet soil conditions limit the utilization of this system during some parts of the grazing season. The development of an underground water distribution system would enhance the management and production from the system. Water distribution is one of the major restraints to the adoption of more intensive grazing systems in the area. The move to a more sustainable and productive agricultural system will reduce the dependence on purchased inputs such as feed, chemical fertilizer and seed.
Water availability and distribution systems are the most limiting factor to highly productive grassland grazing systems. The installation and evaluation of this type of system is critical to making many of the grassland acres profitable with a very sustainable grass grazing system. The installation of a water distribution system is one of the first major steps in the establishment of a grazing system that will improve the quality and production from the grasslands. The system, if effective, will be the first part of a grazing system that will later be enlarged to include some additional acres that will be coming out of the CRP program
Project objectives:
The grant will provide the funding for the purchase of materials for the development of the water distribution system. The water system will be supplied from a water well located in an existing building site. The water system will eliminate the labor requirement of hauling water to each paddock as cattle are moved. Wet weather also restricts the hauling of water during muddy conditions. Cattle trailing and development of roads would also be eliminated.