A new solar-powered livestock watering system implemented with assistance through the USDA is allowing Crawford County, IA, farmer Ralph Dorale to better utilize his pasture, reduce soil erosion, increase his cow herd, and improve cattle performance on his rented 153-acre pasture.
Dorale grew up farming near Charter Oak and operates Ra Ra Farms with his wife, Becky. He also works with his sons, Adam and Alex, growing corn and soybeans, cutting hay and raising cows and hogs.
Livestock watering system
Dorale’s new livestock watering system includes practices planned and implemented with assistance through USDA’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), administered by the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
His new practices include:
• An above-ground water pipeline.
• A solar-powered pumping plant.
• Two water tanks.
• Heavy-use protection areas surrounding the water tanks.
The two new insulated tire water tanks are located at the top and bottom of the hilly pasture. The tanks complement an existing nine-paddock rotational grazing system that requires cows to utilize the entire pasture.
Dorale said each of the water tanks supplies a drinking water source to about half the pasture, via multiple pasture paddocks. “We moved the paddock fencing to better utilize the new water system,” he said.
Prior to installing the new water tanks, Dorale said cattle drank primarily from a rundown pond. “We had a big mud hole out here. Cows would get stuck in it and the water quality was absolutely terrible,” he said. “Even conception rates were down compared to our other pastures.”
Convenience is another benefit of the livestock watering system, which includes video cameras, so Dorale knows if the tanks are working properly. “This project turned out really good. There is no maintenance and we have fresh water,” he said. “Since we don’t live on the property, this is a big deal for us.”
Dorale installed tile lines throughout the pasture to feed the watering system. “The nice thing about the tile is there is no maintenance, it runs constantly, there’s plenty of fresh water available, and you don’t have to worry about drying up the well,” he said.
NRCS Resource Conservationist Pat Corey credits Dorale for making such a large investment on rented pasture. “We tried to help him improve pasture conditions at minimum cost,” he said.
For example, Dorale installed above-ground water pipeline powered by solar panels to carry water to the hilltop water tank, a less expensive option than burying water pipeline underground.
Dorale gives kudos to his landlord for his interest in the conservation projects. “Our landlord has always allowed us to make improvements to the land,” Dorale said. “He wants to be involved with what’s going on and for the land to be better. He believes solar power is good for the future, so this is a win-win for me and our landlord.”
Cover crops for animal feed
The Dorales have been growing cover crops to supplement pasture in the fall for about 10 years. Between the three Dorale families, they grow about 1,000 acres of cover crops annually. Although they primarily aerial apply cereal rye, they have also grown radishes.
The family has utilized EQIP funding through NRCS for cover crops and cost-share through the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship to offset cover crop expenses.
“Normally, we save a few cereal rye acres to chop and use for feed, and then we’ll plant soybeans behind it,” Dorale said. “Cover crops are also helping our crop production with erosion control and to help suppress weeds.”
In addition to cover crops, Dorale has been no-till farming for about 40 years which he says is necessary on his rolling hills and highly erodible soils. “It’s amazing how rocky soil will actually yield much better after a few years of no-till,” he said. “Before no-till, we’d get nothing in those areas.”
Dorale said he feels lucky to get to work with NRCS’ Corey. “Pat has cows of his own, so he understands how this all works and knows the programs, which helps us a lot,” he said.
For more information about conservation practices and programs to help you treat the natural resource concerns on your farm, visit your local NRCS office or go to nrcs.usda.gov/ia. — USDA NRCS
