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Sheep at a freshly cleaned watering station.

Sheep Water Requirements and Quality Testing

Water intake is critical for ensuring flock health, performance and heat stress mitigation. Learn some key considerations for water quality and intake requirements.

A young man collecting a water sample from a pond using a water dipper.

Performing a Field Test for Livestock Water Quality

Learn how to use some simple, readily available tools that can help analyze the quality of your livestock water sources right in the field.

Small group of cattle near a water tank in a rangeland area.

Water Quality

While producers have long acknowledged that access to water makes the difference between a profitable or unsuccessful operation, they are beginning to understand that water quality may be as important as water quantity.

The Pactola Lake reservoir near Rapid City, South Dakota.

Water Quality Standards in South Dakota

Fact sheet to raise awareness among citizens of South Dakota about the Water Quality Standards in the state.

A stock pond with algae blooms developing throughout.

How Important Is Water Quality to Livestock?

Water is the most important nutrient to all livestock animals and is sometimes overlooked. Poor quality water can have a negative effect on growth, reproduction, and general productivity of the animal.

granite rock formation surrounding a lake.

4-H Water & Water Conservation Project

Water is essential to support life on Earth. Conservation is an important practice that ensures we have enough water, and preserving water quality keeps our water supply clean and free of pollution. Why is water important to you?

Black angus cow drinking from a waterer.

Weather and Water Intake in Beef Cattle

Water is a vital nutrient for beef cattle health and performance, and it is important to understand how weather can influence water intake during periods of warmer and cooler weather.

Rancher’s Perspective on The Importance of Livestock Water Quality

During this episode of Cattle HQ, listeners will hear from Bailey to learn more on how they use livestock water testing to better manage their pastures and cattle.

A large, yellow automatic cattle waterer installed in a feedlot.

Water: The Unappreciated Nutrient

Water intake is strongly linked to feed intake, so any factors that cause cattle to drink less will lead to reduced feed intake and consequently reduced performance.

Rain falls on a sample of conventional tilled in a rainfall simulator.

How Soil Holds Water

Water retention is an important soil property and is related to soil texture, organic matter content, and density.