Rainwater Harvesting, Natural Springs, and New Visitors

We are working hard to make the best choices for our herd of Lincoln Red’s, building on traditional farming methods, whilst also meeting their individual needs. As a part of this, we have made sure that the majority of watering holes found on the estate are fed by rainwater and natural springs. As can be imagined, cattle would naturally drink from naturally occurring bodies of waters, rivers and streams on their pastures.

There are water troughs installed in all of the herd’s paddocks, which are either fed by springs or supplemented with the regular rainfall we receive here in the Lincolnshire wolds, as well as being supplied by mains. This helps to guarantee that we can provide the cattle with fresh water, all of the time – 50% of their water comes from mains water, and the remaining from natural sources. Additionally, since they are on a grass-based diet, they also get some of their water, alongside valuable vitamins and nutrients from their grazing.

In our newest crews on the farm, we have installed a rainwater harvester, which feeds the water drinkers inside. This means that the cattle can continue to have fresh water year-round. It also means that additional water demands are reduced, improving the sustainability of the farm’s running day to day, which goes to show how small changes can help to make big improvements.

To supplement the cattle’s diet, we do also provide mineral buckets and salt licks which help to give the Lincoln Red’s minerals and nutrients, that are key to keeping them healthy.

Elsewhere on the estate, the herd are very curious about their new visitors – we have recently launched a series of walks across the estate. As people start to stop by the try them out, the family group staying next door couldn’t help but investigate. Cattle are surprising inquisitive, and we’re sure they appreciated having a little bit of excitement being added to their day.

Summer is slowly coming to an end, and we can’t help but look forward to some of the cooler months. Colder, cosier weather lends itself perfectly to comfort food- our beef boxes  come with diced beef and great joints, fantastic for hearty stews and pot roasts. To see more about our beef, please visit southormsbyestate.co.uk/beef.