What else besides forage and fences does a pasture need?
Animals on pasture need a supply of clean water and salt. A running brook or stream in a pasture can supply water, although it is sometimes difficult to keep animals from trampling and fouling the banks of a stream or pond. In general, sheep, which prefer dry upland grazing areas, will do less damage to stream or pond banks than cattle. If you don’t have a natural supply of water, you will need a watering tank, and possibly equipment to keep the water supply frost-free in the winter. During spring flush, animals on pasture may not require much water in addition to what is available from the forage. In hot summer months or during lactation, the water needs are high. In some areas, carefully planned use of snow fencing in the winter can maximize the use of runoff in the spring.
