...is a way to lower livestock impacts on streambanks, water quality, and improve grazing quality.

In this system, several pens or "paddocks" are set up throughout the grazing area based on the number and type of livestock grazing there. The animals are then rotated through the paddocks for a specified period of time.

30 cows are placed in the first of 5 paddocks. They remain there for 3 days, until the grass has been grazed down. Then, they are moved to the next paddock. This rotation system helps reduce the impact of livestock on certain areas of land by keeping them in selected paddocks for 3-5 days. As the animals are rotated through the paddock system, the first cell can recouperate for (4 paddocks * 5 days = 20 days) before the first cell will be grazed again.

It is better for the stream and surrounding area if livestock have restricted or no access to the stream itself so banks are not induced to erode. How, then, do your animals gain access to water? There are several possibilities for supplying water to animals without allowing them access to the stream itself:

Water pumping devices

Pasture pumps: draw water directly from the river to the animal and are driven by the animal itself. It takes very little time for animals to learn how to get water from this type of device. However, there should be great care given to the number of pumps needed to supply water for all animals. The cows in this example have no problem figuring out how to pump water for themselves.

 Wind-driven pumps

 Solar water pumps

 Sling Pumps

Selective stream access: