Water is our most precious natural resource. Tennessee has over 60,000 miles of streams, approximately 536,000 acres of lakes and about 787,000 acres of wetlands. Clean water promotes public health, agriculture, manufacturing, recreation, and serves as the foundation of a healthy environment.

TDA cost-share funds helped install two armored ramps into this pond. Fencing off the pond except for the ramps keeps cattle from destroying the banks and dam, and creates two pastures for rotational grazing. The results are a longer life for the pond, cleaner water for livestock and more productive pastures.

The drill is available for rent through the Putnam County SCD in Cookeville, for $7.50 per acre, with a $100 minimum. The drill requires a tractor that has auxiliary hydraulics, and preferably at least 60 hp. The drill cannot be towed at high speeds. Planting width is 6.5 feet, and total width is 10.5 feet. The unit has adjustable depth control and variable seeding rate adjustments. For more information or to schedule the use of the drill, call (931) 528-6472 extension 3.

Landowners can simplify their rotational grazing by a watering trough that can be used to service more than one pasture.