1998 Annual Report for FNC98-224
Project Type: Farmer/Rancher
Funds awarded in 1998: $3,372.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2003
Region: North Central
State: Kansas
Project Coordinator:
Economically Powered Water Supply Systems for Remote Locations
Summary
Proper water distribution is crucial to efficient grazing systems.
Objective: To use natural farm assets to establish a water distribution system that will enhance pasture utilization and reduce erosion from cattle trails.
The producer developed a small mobile windmill connected to a squeeze pump that pumps water from farm ponds to a large supply tank located at the highest elevation on the ranch. Water is then gravity-fed to paddocks.
Results: The first prototype, a horizontal windmill, was only somewhat successful because of an insufficient capacity. The producer planned to test a small vertical windmill in 2000, which will have enough capacity to supply the demand. The project was extended for one year.