K BAR K Longhorn Ranch

THIS PAGE IS TO SHARE SOME IDEAS THAT WORKED ON THE RANCH.  IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE EMAIL.

Problem is the ranch is off the power grid and we do not have extra power to run tank heaters and keep the livestock water from freezing.  The ranch is at the 4000ft level and it can get cold here in the winter.

Solution

1. 30gal plastic drum inside a 55gal plastic drum with insulation between  and the opening for the animal access covers little over half the top.

     a. Valve for filling is over 30 inches down and never gets cold enough to freeze. 

     b. Very little ice even on the coldest of days

     c. Float for operation the valve is under the half not cut out and the animals do not play with it.

     d. Very few dead rodents and birds found in tank.  I do not know why.

    e. I have come up with a good way to clean and I will be changing all pastures over to this set up.

     f. Cost about $75 for all part needed to make tank and it takes about 2 hours to make.

01/27/09

    g. Recent changes include removing the top of the 30 gal drum and make a good seal between the 55 and 30 gal drums where they meet on top.  Do not depend on the expandable foam to seal.

    h. Connect the float with a nonmetal chain.  I am  having the small chains break by rusting through and loosing a great deal of water.  It often happens when we leave for the weekend.  I now have the water flow to the tank turned down so it fills very slow so if it fails it will not drain the system to fast until I find the perfect chain to connect between the float and the valve.

2. Equipment tire with a cement plug.

    a. Need lots of animals to keep it from freezing.

    b. Has worked for 2 years, I cover half in the winter to try and keep it warmer.