What You Need To Know About Having Livestock on Your Land

If you are looking to purchase livestock to put on your new land or transfer your livestock to a new property there are a few things on your checklist that you should keep in mind. 

Water Sources
Water is the most important element that you need to have on your land. Without a water source, you will not be able to have livestock, establish your home or have a business on the property.

Fencing
It is best when you are looking to buy a property to walk the fence line and make sure that your livestock cannot get out or push their way out of the fence. Walking the fence line will also help you know where the different parts of the property are and how much brush and trees you have that you would like to keep or clear out. If you walk the fence line of the property and find that there need to be repairs done, take this time to assess the extra cost.  

Gates
Having gates in the proper places on the property is essential for the landowner. Having gates that open the correct way and are up off of the ground help you to better function when working on the property.

Storage/Barns
Storage is needed for an operation so that your equipment doesn’t end up damaged  by weather elements. Keeping hay and feed in a dry establishment is also best for the health of your livestock. Remember that livestock need a place to take shelter when weather elements are not ideal. This shelter can be a cluster of trees/wooded area or it can be a barn/shed.

Topography
Knowing your land is essential for knowing where your livestock could be hiding or having their offspring. Soil testing is something that you should do once you take ownership of the property. Having an idea of what type of soil your land is made up of will help you understand the nutritive content of the grass you are producing for your livestock. It is important to know this information for fertilizer spreading, hay production purposes, and other. 

Multiple Pastures
Rotating pastures is common when you own livestock. You might be asking yourself, “What does rotating pastures mean?” Rotating pastures is the shifting of livestock to different units of a pasture or range in regular sequence to permit the recovery and growth of the pasture plants after grazing. In doing so, this will help feed your livestock over a longer period of time.

Utilities 
Any livestock operation, no matter how big or small, electricity and sewer are important for a property to have. You can make do without, however, you need to have a clear understanding of what this means for your operation. 

If you have any further questions about having livestock on your property, contact your local AgriLife Extension agent. Contact us today and let us help you achieve your real estate goals!