Waterers and Watering Systems Handbook
Water: the most important livestock nutrient
Navigating through watering options to find a workable, financially feasible solution to livestock watering needs can be frustrating for ranchers. There are many choices, and some options are not compatible with available land, labor, and capital resources.
Get all the info, all in one place
In the publication titled Waterers and Watering Systems: A Handbook for Livestock Producers and Landowners, you can access short, informational chapters about different types of livestock watering systems. In many cases, these sections provide step-by-step guidance to implementing different best management practices, based on your needs and operation. This perennially favorite K-State Extension publication includes new sections as well as updated older chapters.
Need information right now?
If you need an expert consultation about livestock watering systems, we can help! You can contact KCARE with your specific questions.
Watch and learn
The KCARE team has produced a series of complementary videos that take you step-by-step through the process of installing various watering systems. If you have the time, we have the know-how!
Watershed Specialists give details about how solar watering systems work. This includes specifics about how to set up these systems, the pros and cons of various pump types, and troubleshooting.
Livestock Watering: Wet Well Installation
In this short video, K-State Extension specialists provide a step-by-step guide to installing a wet well.
Livestock Watering: Selecting and Installing Pumps
K-State Extension specialists give an on-camera, step-by-step guide to selecting pumps for livestock watering systems and how to install them properly.
Installing a Water Line Through A Pond Dam
Need to install a water line through a pond dam? Tune in to this in-depth, step-by-step guide, led by K-State Extension specialists.
Tire Tank Waterers
Reuse and recycle large tires as livestock waterers! In this three-part series, learn how to prepare the tire for use, how to set up your waterer site, and how to install the tire tank to ensure that it is leak-free.
Livestock Watering: Hardened Surface Watering
As part of a series, KCARE Watershed Specialists give detailed information about installing alternative watering sites for livestock. In this video, Herschel George describes the importance of creating a hardened surface for a watering site, and the steps producers can take to complete this task.
Livestock Watering: Wintertime Watering
In this companion video to the handbook Waterers and Watering Systems, KSRE specialists explain how to maintain your livestock watering systems during the cold winter months. It includes details about how to keep cattle safe, and how to ensure that your waterers remain ice-free.