[S3E5] Farmer Panel: Winter Watering Systems

[@arrowlranch]

We installed two frost-free nose pump setups on hayfields last fall to make bale grazing more practical for the duration of winter. The initial cost is higher than some of these options but we love them so far. The hoods and lever arms will ice up in extreme cold but we monitor them with a cell camera on time lapse. One smack with a dead blow hammer frees them up again.

[@covercropcompany]

Thanks for sharing about your set-up, Mason! Do you have any issues with your camera in the extreme cold?

[@arrowlranch]

Not with the batteries yet but they need to point south so that the sun can melt frost off of the lens.

[@covercropcompany]

Smart!

[@valleyviewacres9120]

I have frost free nose pumps the only thing I need to say about them is you know a rancher designed them. Beause they work exactly like they are supposed to. great product.

[@gregsmith3128]

For solar systems my opinion is that 24 V systems are better because the pumps require less amperage therefore extending your battery life. Also using 4 6V batteries in series makes a 24V battery and when batteries are connected in series the amp hour rating multiplies compared to when batteries are connected in parallel the amp hour rating stays the same.

[@covercropcompany]

That's great additional info for consideration, thanks Greg!

[@wallyyuriy8912]

My cows will look like shit in 2 days from just licking snow. Gotta have open water

[@covercropcompany]

Yeah, all of our panelists agree - open water is preferred.