When I first came to the ranch, the area where we put the heifers after they had calved was smaller, with a simple electric fence to hold them in on one side. The calving shed fence held one side. The curving creek created the other boundary. The creek side was totally accessible so the heifers could get a drink. Occasionally, we would lose a baby calf to it falling in the creek. We began running electric fence along the creek, leaving a water gap so they could get a drink.
Then we moved the electric fence to enlarge the space. Then the electric fence along the creek has become a real fence. Then, just a bit ago, we put in a water tank thanks to the new pipeline. Now that they have another place to drink… and before a baby calf staggers off into the water gap… we decide to fence off “the best water gap we have”, according to Vernon.
Of course, it is just tposts and cattle panels, so easily removed, if we need to… we have crossed this creek a zillion times right here on horseback… but a pair of pliers and a panel would be gone.
