While limited water presents significant challenges for livestock producers during drought, low water levels do offer an opportunity to make improvements in infrastructure to capitalize on future precipitation. Implementing effective water management strategies ensure productivity and health of the cow herd.
Over time, cattle traffic in and out of the pond can hinder dam integrity and result in shallow waters at access points. While water levels are low, consider cleaning out the ponds and restoring to a desirable slope of 3:1 (for every 3 feet in horizontal depth, there sound be 1 foot in rise) to reduce growth of unwanted vegetative along the shorelines including cattails. Low levels also allow for giving attention to drain and overflow pipes, fixing any leaks in the dam as well as renovating the dam to maintain or improve integrity. This includes removing unwanted trees and undesirable wildlife. Care should be given to not disturb the clay lining.
If properly managed, vegetation around the water source aides in precipitation infiltration allowing for forage utilization and travel to the water storage basin. In addition, vegetation allows for reduced erosion, preserving water quality by not adding extra sediments to the pond. While it’s too late to focus on forage recovery for this year, prioritize fostering vegetation growth around the pond next spring. Options include allowing rest and interseeding a cool season annual forage. Having forage up to the side of the pond can also provide some shade and ultimately insulate water and reduce evaporation.
Water quality is already a concern during drought as nutrients and sediments are concentrated when water levels are reduced. Unlimited access for cattle allows for further degradation of water quality. Fencing off around the pond or streams can help protect water quality and reduce erosion. At least a 50-foot-wide buffer is suggested, but up to 100 feet may be ideal for steeper slopes.
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