As I mentioned in a previous post, we are attempting to be as self-sufficient out here on the homestead as possible. One step that we have taken these past two years to be more self-sufficient is we have built 8 ponds on the farm. Our main farm when we purchased it only had one little spring on it that was about 4 feet round and 2 feet deep. It always has crystal clear water and flows year round but in order to water over 200 head of cattle and 100 goats we needed more water.
We attempted to drill a well three time and even with the help of a geologist could not find water. The next best thing was to get a bull dozer and dam up some valleys to create some ponds for watering the livestock and also for wildlife.
It took 2 years but we now have 8 beautiful ponds on the farm. Each one is unique not one of them is the same. The idea was that we have a lot of hills and valleys here on our farm, so we would go down the valley a ways and then make about a 10 to 15 foot dam to trap the water. This gives us about an 8 to 13 foot deep pond. It has worked amazing. We have clay soil so it is perfect for a water tight dam.
We do not allow the cattle to have free access to the ponds. Otherwise they would walk up to their bellies and just soak in them on a hot day or even a warm day. It is not that we do not want our cows to be able to cool off, the problem is they go the bathroom and eventually will contaminate the water supply. The solution is that we use hot wire (electric fence) to only allow them access to a piece of the pond at a time. Usually about a 10 foot by 3 foot area. This allows them to drink but not stand in the ponds. Goats really do not like to get wet so they are not a problem.
Since we have made the ponds we now have Canadian and Snow geese stop by the farm and nest. We also have all kinds of ducks. We love adding wildlife to the farm so they ponds have been a great addition.
They took a lot of time and work but I recommend ponds. Not only are they free water for livestock but they are countless hours of fun for the kids. Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to read our blog. Have a wonderful day.