58 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN March 2024 “In Nebraska, we’re blessed with the Ogallala Aquifer,” Walz says. “In general, we have great water. It’s true, though, that some places in the state do have dissolved sulfur in water, which means producers there should be extra cautious about high-sulfur feeds. It’s important to know what your water quality looks like to make the right feed decisions.” Walz also encourages producers to consider water accessibility for calves. “In the Sandhills, we have big water tanks. If cows drink the tank down on a hot summer day, calves can’t reach the water to drink,” he explains. “Banking tanks or otherwise designing watering systems with calves in mind can make all the difference.” Placement of watering systems also impacts availability. Walz shares the industry standard as a recommendation: nowhere in a flat pasture should be more than a mile from water, and hilly pastures should have water access every half mile or if possible, every quarter mile. Top of Mind According to Rebecca Kern-Lunbery, feed testing product manager at Ward Labs, one piece of advice almost every producer could benefit from is testing proactively – not waiting for a problem to arise. “Most customers are calling and asking my advice once they run into a problem,” Kern-Lunbery says. “A lot of times, the problems are non-descript. They’ll say it’s a mineral problem but they’re working with a nutritionist, or call saying they’ve got something going on, but the vet isn’t sure what it is. When we test proactively, we come into the busiest seasons better informed and can make management decisions based on that information.” Signs of Trouble There are a few symptoms that make it clear water quality testing is needed. The most critical? Water consumption. Spring 1. Prioritize upkeep on windmills and well systems, and maintain a good relationship with your local well maintainer. “Over time we’ve seen fewer and fewer people in this career, which means wait times can be exceedingly long when problems are identified,” Walz says. “As with all aspects of your business, keeping good relationships throughout the year can be beneficial when you find yourself in a time of need.” 2. Submit water samples to be tested, especially if you believe you have high sulfur or nitrate levels, or if water sits stagnant over the winter. “If you have any worries about turning on that water after it’s been sitting all winter or want to be sure you’re not dealing with rust or microbes after months of unuse, early spring is the best time to submit samples for testing,” Woodward says. “That way you know you’re going into the season in the best way possible.” Kern-Lunbery agrees. “I’d say in general, producers don’t test their water as often as they could be and should be. Spring is a great time to test for a few key reasons: the snow and precipitation of winter makes our water the best it will be – testing at your starting point can provide peace of mind or action steps needed early in the season.” It’s also the time to monitor mineral issues and make feeding decisions based on water content. “If our water has too many nitrates or too much sulfur, we’re going to be more careful about what we’re feeding,” Kern-Lunbery continues. “I encourage every producer to get out and take a few samples in spring before grazing begins.” Summer, Especially in Drought 1. Monitor stock ponds for evaporation, which causes dissolved solids in the water to be concentrated even further. This concentration can exacerbate water quality issues and speed up the effects on your herd. 2. Around July, be aware of blue-green algae levels in ponds, as the algae produces toxins in water and there is little to be done to prevent its appearance, so alternative water sources are the ideal solution. Walz recommends inviting your local Extension educator or Nebraska Resource Conservation Service representative to assess the unique water needs and challenges in your pasture. “There is no one-size-fits-all recommendation for tank sizes or locations especially,” Walz says. “Don’t be afraid to reach out to your local resources for help.” Yearly Outside of annual planning, Kern-Lunbery also recommends checking wells every one to three years to monitor potential changes in nitrate levels. “New wells should be checked early on, but making sure tanks filled by wells are checked at least every three years is a good standard to follow,” she says. CONTINUED ON PAGE 60 WATER QUALITY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 56 Maintaining Water Quality “Research has shown that cattle have lower gains when they’re not drinking good quality water.” – Troy Walz
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