I’ve talked about this before… how hard we work almost every summer to create, expand, improve, or pipe water for our cows. Good water is essential for healthy cattle. With water sources scattered around pastures, cows will get a better use of the grass and forage available. Some cows, like people, are lazy and would love to lay by their water and not travel far to find food. The better ones don’t mind a healthy hike to reach water.
As we move from pasture to pasture, we usually have to set up the water before the cattle get there. We have springs, and “developed” springs with water tanks… We have pipelines and wells and we have a new exciting project coming soon… but this time, we quickly put together what is called a “water gap”.
We’re aiming for those panels across the creek which form a gate. Since the cows haven’t used this entrance before, they’re a bit unsure of where to go. Brandon and Megan cross the creek to funnel them the right way.
Vernon backs two portable panels over on his four wheeler…
Brandon muscles his two panels across.
The new panels are wired onto the ones that were there.
When they’re all fastened together, they temporarily extend the fence into the creek so the cattle can reach the water.
And there you have it… one of the quickest ways to get a drink for your cows… by creating a water gap!
Clever! As always, nice pictures to illustrate the project. If you are interested, look up “Delaware Water Gap” – a beautiful area in the eastern Appalachians with an interesting history.