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 Solar Water
Pumping for Livestock Grazing Systems
Sometimes remote areas of pastures produce good forage but cattle
don’t spend much time there because it is to far from a water
source. With the Iowa Lakes RC&D Solar Pumping project producers
can get assistance installing a solar pumping system that pumps
water in parts of the pasture where there is good forage potential
but no electric lines.
The
Solar Pumping project is targeting producers who could better
utilize their pasture if they had a reliable source of electricity
for pumping water in remote areas. There are several reasons why a
livestock producer might consider this type of system. 1) There may
be a water source in the pasture but no electricity for pumping. 2)
A separate electric meter and electric power lines may be needed
which creates a monthly charge regardless of usage. 3) Because of
stream bank erosion and water quality reasons producers need to
restrict livestock’s access to streams and rivers currently used for
watering.
By
using a solar pumping system water sources such as streams and ponds
can be protected
and still be used by pumping water from these sites to a more
suitable place for watering in the pasture.
The Iowa Lakes Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D) has
received funding to provide 75% cost-share on these type systems.
Livestock producers in northwest Iowa are eligible. If you
think this type of system might work on your farm you should contact
the Iowa Lakes RC&D office in Spencer to find out more information.
Their phone number is (712) 262-2083. They are located at 203
10th Street SW in Spencer. |
