Get water supplies ready for summer

As the temperature begins to rise at last, remember that cows like to drink together, so water supplies should be sized to fit peak demand on a hot day.

Sufficient supplies of good-quality drinking water are essential on the platform for both animal welfare and maximum milk production.

Future-proofing a network of pipes and troughs is the smart way to use water for a grazing herd. It’s important to minimise waste as demand for water grows when expanding. Consider upgrading old sections of pipework, as well as establishing new infrastructure for any further expansion.

But it’s not just about the size, type and number of troughs. Pressure, flow rate, pipe diameter and elevation are all important.

It’s also a good idea to set up a system of regular checks and maintenance, training the farm team to identify problems. Set up a protocol for reporting and repairing weak spots, leaks or damage. This will minimise problems and save waste.

For more information, take a look here:

• Dairy NZ - Smart water use on farm
• Penstar - Water supply
• Teagasc - Grazing infrastructure
• The LeanFarm project