How clean are your water tanks this spring?
By: Justin Waggoner, Beef Systems Specialist, K-State Research and Extension
It would appear that after a much anticipated arrival spring has finally come to Kansas and much of the High Plains. The most notable attribute of the month of April has been the wind and dust.
One of the fundamental concepts of animal husbandry is to provide a source of continually available, clean drinking water. In the feedyard industry one of the standard operating procedures in most feedyards is to routinely clean water tanks, typically once per week or following wind events. However, I was recently reminded of how easy it is to overlook this fundamental concept of animal husbandry in pastures and more remote watering sites.
Consider this a friendly reminder, to bring a shovel, pull the plug, and flush the tank; you might be surprised by what or how much you find at the bottom of the tank.
