The field was surveyed and will be divided in 3 pastures of approximate equal size and carrying capacities. An off-site water source will be provided in one field where cattle will also have access to the creek. The off-site water source will be installed about 70 yards from the creek and the water source will be a pond. Mineral placement will initially be near a cluster of trees adjacent to the off-site water source that is considerably closer than the creek and that can also provide shade. A second pasture will provide creek access without an off-site water source while the third pasture will provide cattle with trough or tank water only.
Pastures are similar in terrain and predominantly composed of a fescue-based pasture.
A few of the cattle will also carry relatively inexpensive GPS monitoring devices to track their movement, at least on a limited basis. Visual monitoring and observations, however, will be the primary method of evaluating behavioral differences, if any. The initial demonstration will utilize stocker cattle. Weights will also be taken and recorded to determine any differences in gain. At this writing, it is intended that water samples will be taken prior to and following cattle removal from the pastures.