Considerations for Texas Ranches During Drought Conditions

Cattle, whether they are black or red, predominantly make up the animals you see when you drive up and down backcountry roads. In Texas, we pride ourselves on raising healthy herds and families alike. 

The life and well-being of a cow begins in the water they drink.  Each drop of water is critical to the longevity of the cow. The better water source your cattle have, the better the chances of increased weight, health, and fertility skyrocket.  

Triple-digit temperatures are no stranger to Texas, along with drought-like conditions. Long, hot days without any rainfall lead to dried up troughs, if you’re not paying attention.  

At the end of the day, when the pond is dried up and you’ve got panting cattle, you’ve got a problem. But what do you do besides hope for more rain? 

Key things to consider:

Look Out for Diseases 

Infectious diseases seem to run rampant in hot weather. It’s good to keep an eye on your cattle for signs of infection. This includes an increase in panting, lying down, and not drinking water.  

Crop Management 

Be on the lookout for weeds invading your plant’s space. Everyone is competing for water, ensure that your crops don’t have to. Diseased crops should be tilled out, to reduce infected plants from spreading.  

Make Every Drop Count 

During drought, it’s not just about having water, it’s about managing it wisely. Monitoring helps you make informed decisions, reduce stress, and gain peace of mind knowing your livestock are looked after even in harsh conditions. 

 Investing in smarter water management is one of the most practical steps you can take. 

Stay Hydrated 

When working on the ranch, remember to keep yourself hydrated! Even if you’re going from A/C to your truck, have water with you at all times. Dehydration can kick in at any moment. 

Monitor Your Water! 

Monitoring your cattle’s water is CRUCIAL! Technology has come a long way, and remote monitoring tools like Ranchbot can help you stay informed without leaving the house (or even while you’re out on another job). With a quick glance at your phone or tablet, you can: 

  • View current water levels 
  • Get alerts when water drops suddenly or reaches a critical low 
  • Monitor pump activity and flow rates 
  • Track usage trends over time 

 

Ready to take control of your water system? 
Let Ranchbot help you monitor your tanks, catch issues early, and stay ahead of the drought. Because when water is tight, information is power. 

Contact your Texas Business Development Manager today!

Tim Lockhart

TX, National

979-204-4302

Tim.Lockhart@ranch-bot.com