09/07/2026
This drought has been hard on all farmers. Even us ranchers that are in need of water for livestock. While on my far away pastures my cattle utilize ponds because of the lay of the land. I can't pipe water everywhere on the farm. Water levels have dropped to the point where if I don't provide another option the catlle will destroy the wetland edges. I use electric fence to keep cattle drinking to areas that are better on the wetland. Someday, I will hard armor these areas but for now I use electric lines so they don't go for a swim.
I can't truck enough outside water for them, I tried that once and as a beginning farmer I don't have the funds to purchase big enough equipment to do this. So for now, I am using a generator and sump pump to fill water tanks. Taking water from the middle of the water column is pretty nice water!
Also pictured are the flowers I am getting next to the wetland through not overgrazing. I see Jeruselum artichoke, Joe-pye w**d, Goldenrod, Bidens, New Englund aster, Green bulrush, and Arrow-leaved tearthumb. Do you see any other plants?
