Livestock Water Opinions

[Dueyb]

We are subdividing our pasture into essentially six 40 acre paddocks. We take in 80 pairs and 4 bulls for long grazing season but all are gone for the winter. 3 paddocks will have natural water from either open ponds or fenced ponds with concrete freeze proof tanks (so we have some winter options if needed). We are running rural water lines to the center of each of the other 3 paddocks that don't have water and I'm having a hard time deciding which type of watering facility to install. We have plenty of water pressure and good refill rate at the site.

Cobetts? - have at home for smaller lots and absolutely love them but not sure if they'll work for 80 pairs in the summer if drinking as a group??? If they are locked on 40 acres maybe they'd drink individually and these would work? Gets pretty pricy but maybe I put two Cobetts in each pasture.

Tire tanks? - look appealing but have no experience with them. Since I'm on rural water leaks scare me with these.

Miraco Big Spring 6000 on concrete pad? Biggest producer in my area uses these and gets along good.

Hydrant and big 300 gal Rubbermaid portable tank with float - cheap and easy but probably not as durable?

Wife and I both work full time so I want something that is durable and reliable. Not really wanting to do above ground lines with quick connects but I know that's the cheapest.

Any thoughts appreciated.

 

[M-5]

I vote for tire tank. I built one last year and Will be building more as soon as I procure more tires , simple and easy

 

[TennesseeTuxedo]

Or keep your farm classy and put in a real waterer.

http://www.agrisupply.com/cattle-watere ... aQodJ_kNww

 

[M-5]

Cows only care if it's wet don't really matter what you serve it in. Unless your high faluteing and trying to impress the Jones's be practical

 

[TennesseeTuxedo]

Cows only care if it's wet don't really matter what you serve it in. Unless your high faluteing and trying to impress the Jones's be practical

My guess is Duey runs a first class operation and wants to keep it that way. The Jones' try to keep up with him.

 

[Dueyb]

Just trying to get some advice. Want something with reliability and capacity. Not sure where you're coming from tuxedo

 

[callmefence]

Just trying to get some advice. Want something with reliability and capacity. Not sure where you're coming from tuxedo

Nobody's sure where tux came from. For a away from home water source I would want as big a tank as possible.

 

[TennesseeTuxedo]

Just trying to get some advice. Want something with reliability and capacity. Not sure where you're coming from tuxedo

Based on what you posted its clear to me you have a nice operation and would want a first class water system. Even the largest tanks go dry if the flow stops which is why I gave you my reccommendation. If that offensed you lo siento mi amigo.

 

[littletom]

Miraco MiraFount or aka the the blue ball waterer. We have several and going to put another used one sometime before weaning. Stay pretty clean for most part and easy to clean when needed. Small pad needed and some rock if you see the balls its working.

 

[Red Bull Breeder]

The big tire tanks work really well. Installed right they will be problem free for years.

 

[ddd75]

depends where you are and how much freeze protection you want.


I also have cobbetts and they are awesome.

They say something like 200 hd can drink from one. check there website or call them.

tire tanks are nice but i don't like them for cold climates unless you have a constant spring to keep the water flowing.

mirafounts are good but all have frozen solid in winter here, as well as the richies.

 

[TennesseeTuxedo]

depends where you are and how much freeze protection you want.


I also have cobbetts and they are awesome.

They say something like 200 hd can drink from one. check there website or call them.

tire tanks are nice but i don't like them for cold climates unless you have a constant spring to keep the water flowing.

mirafounts are good but all have frozen solid in winter here, as well as the richies.

The newer ones are insulated and in really harsh climates you can add the heater option.

 

[Dueyb]

Thanks for all the input! I found a guy locally that has several tire tanks and going to visit him and get his thoughts. I'm thinking that may be the best option but again just don't have any first hand experience with them.

 

[TennesseeTuxedo]

Thanks for all the input! I found a guy locally that has several tire tanks and going to visit him and get his thoughts. I'm thinking that may be the best option but again just don't have any first hand experience with them.

Where are you located?

 

[Dueyb]

Southern IA about 30 miles from MO border

 

[shaz]

Whatever you get make sure you can see the float from a good distance. Doesn't sound like a big deal but will save you time.

 

[TennesseeTuxedo]

Southern IA about 30 miles from MO border

You need something freeze proof preferably with a heater.

 

[ddd75]

depends where you are and how much freeze protection you want.


I also have cobbetts and they are awesome.

They say something like 200 hd can drink from one. check there website or call them.

tire tanks are nice but i don't like them for cold climates unless you have a constant spring to keep the water flowing.

mirafounts are good but all have frozen solid in winter here, as well as the richies.

The newer ones are insulated and in really harsh climates you can add the heater option.

i've seen quite a few brand new ones freeze up solid as a block.

i just don't see how you can keep any heat in with them laying right on top of the ground. a heater is useless for a waterer far away from power.

 

[TennesseeTuxedo]

depends where you are and how much freeze protection you want.


I also have cobbetts and they are awesome.

They say something like 200 hd can drink from one. check there website or call them.

tire tanks are nice but i don't like them for cold climates unless you have a constant spring to keep the water flowing.

mirafounts are good but all have frozen solid in winter here, as well as the richies.

The newer ones are insulated and in really harsh climates you can add the heater option.

i've seen quite a few brand new ones freeze up solid as a block.

i just don't see how you can keep any heat in with them laying right on top of the ground. a heater is useless for a waterer far away from power.

um, any type water station will freeze in the conditions you put forth.

I'll take my chances with an enclosed tank with a heater and water provided by a line buried 3 feet down.

Our farm in 40 minutes south of Cincinnati and it gets plenty cold. Our waterers do a great job.

 

[dwa]

Is there not a way to let one water station cover 2-3 fields? I put in tire 3 tire tanks a few years ago. They all water 4-6 fields.