Winter Cattle Journal 2013
Feeding
Multiple options exist for producers planning a water improvement project. However, a high quality well with an underground pipeline delivering water to livestock tanks handily tops the list of preferred successfully implemented projects by western ranchers. “When we started there were those folks with doubts. On the years when the dams are full it’s easy to forget, and feel like its all hunky dory. But, you have to remember the years the dams weren’t full. This year it was really easy to open a hydrant, and those folks with doubts no longer have them. Plus, we’ve found that even on years when our dams are full, the cows will drink out of the tanks first because they prefer that fresh water,” explained Owanka, South Dakota rancher Marvin Williams of the value and benefit of the largescale well and pipeline project
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numerous area ranchers began in August of 2006. The community felt the need for a more reliable, consistent supply of water to both their homes and livestock following the numerous dry years of the early 2000s, and
“It’s quite an undertaking, but the more people you get involved, the more the cost is spread out, and the easier it is to foot the bill on a well like ours.” Marvin Williams identified a lack of both quality and volume of water as a major issue in their area.
Tri-State Livestock News H winter Cattle Journal 2013
“We formed a rural water association with about 20 members, with additional help from our NRCS (Natural Resource Conservation Service) office and Midwest Assistance. We went before the State Water Commission for grant money, and individual producers put their operations into EQIP (Environmental Quality Incentives Program) programs which gave us enough points to qualify for money through that entity as well,” explained Williams of the first steps taken by the group to foot the project bill. Following the procurement of funds, a 3,500 foot deep well was drilled, which pumps about 165 gallons per minute. Between 25 and 30 miles of line was laid, with each individual producer being responsible for what they added off that main line onto their operation. “I personally added some tanks, and tied it into several old automatic waterers already in place, just