Brent Voss says hydration is the lifeblood of his cattle operation in Dexter, Iowa. And that’s why having the best cattle waterers available is so important to him.

Since 1993, Voss has been raising a purebred Angus herd, now numbering 500 registered cows, with a production sale at the end of February each year. For Voss, ensuring his cattle have access to good, clean water 365 days a year is paramount.

The watering situation on Voss’ operation has evolved significantly since its early days, which involved windmills and propane to keep water thawed in the winter. “When we got our first automatic waterers with heaters, it was a great move for us,” he said. “We started with Ritchie, and we still have Ritchie … these waterers have kind of evolved with us over time and we’re very happy with them,” Voss added.

The best cattle waterer for animal well-being

Comparing automatic watering systems to natural sources like springs and ponds, Voss emphasized the importance of clean water for the overall well-being of his cattle, including their ability to raise great calves and improvement in their breed back program. He added that access to clean water also led to a conception rate increase and reduced some late-term abortions in his cattle.

“I actually drained all the ponds and installed a few Ritchie waterers on [one of my] farms so that I had good clean water for that farm.” He saw that his cattle were consistently drawn to the Ritchie waterers, preferring the good, clean, fresh — and especially cold — water they provide.

The best cattle waterer for easy maintenance

Voss’ decision to choose Ritchie waterers was influenced by his familiarity with them as he’d grown up seeing them on farms. And the confidence he had in Ritchie was compounded by recommendations from electricians and plumbers he works with. He knew they were easy to clean and easy to maintain.

The best cattle waterer for reliability

“When we installed our first Ritchie waterer, the peace of mind of having water in front of these cattle all the time and the confidence in that water was very nice,” Voss said. The flexibility to have Ritchie waterers in remote pastures is a reliable way to keep his herd hydrated. “We’re checking waterers every day on every herd and just double-checking. And 99.9% of the time, you never ever have an issue. And these waterers are true and reliable, and we’re just really confident in these waterers,” he added.

The best cattle waterer for durability

In terms of construction and durability, Voss ensures his concrete pads for the waterers are large enough for the cattle to stand on entirely, preventing issues with mud and hoof problems. He also raises the waterers four inches above the ground to keep them clear of manure, which he believes increases their longevity and prevents lines from freezing in harsh Iowa winters, where waterers are “challenged hard” by inclement weather.

Voss also attests to the durability of Ritchie waterers with his bulls, which are known for being rough on equipment. He employs robust anchoring systems, extending the concrete pads to ensure the waterers are securely fastened. “The Ritchie waterers that we’ve been using for a number of years, they’re really good poly waterers. These waterers look to me like they’re going to last a very, very long time,” Voss said.

Voss’ advice for other farmers

For a neighbor or first-time farmer, Voss’s advice is clear: invest in good, clean water first for the sustainability of any operation. “I would recommend Ritchie waterers to all of my neighbors. And the reason why I would recommend Ritchie is just because of the durability and the maintenance-free aspects of the Ritchie waterers,” said Voss.

“Hydration is essential for all of our animals, and that’s why we have Ritchie waterers on all our farms,” he concluded.