by Erika Lundy-Woolfolk, Iowa State University

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 ensures 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 (ft.) in horizontal depth, there should be 1 ft. in rise] to reduce growth of unwanted vegetation 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 aids 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-ft.-wide buffer is suggested, but up to 100 ft. may be ideal for steeper slopes.

In addition to fencing off the pond, adding a stock tank below can prove beneficial. Previous research documented almost a 10% increase in weight gain of nursing calves when pairs drank from a water tank compared to directly from the pond. While pumping into a tank didn’t significantly improve water quality, the aeration appeared to help with water intake and palatability. Plan to have 3 inches of linear water space per pair and adequate water pressure to refill the stock tank in a timely matter.

Many climate reports are not optimistic for rainfall in the 2024 growing season. If the drought-stricken ponds from 2023 face additional shortages of precipitation, the need for water infrastructure improvements will be emphasized, particularly for those forced to haul water. With high calf prices this year and the current state of ponds in the pasture, the prospect of laying pipe and connecting to rural water sources is worth exploring. Water is the most critical nutrient for all livestock, and having a reliable source is essential to production.

Editor’s note: Erika Lundy-Woolfolk is an Iowa State University Extension and outreach beef specialist. This article was originally published in the November issue of the Iowa Forage and Grassland Council’s The Forager.