Designing a water system for future expansion may be the best option for beginners with limited available funds. Some systems use alleyways to give animals access to one water source from several paddocks. Others use above-ground or buried pipes. Whatever design is chosen, the area around the water source will suffer from heavy traffic and is a potential source of parasites, diseases, and erosion. Portable water tanks that connect to a permanent pipe system are available and offer advantages that may justify the expense of installing and moving them.
Many farmers find that switching to grass-based dairying improves herd health.
By getting cows out of the barn, cow comfort is improved. Grassy pastures tend to be drier and cleaner than confinement facilities, and fresh, well-managed forage is more nutritious. Farmers report that they don't have the pneumonia, scours and mastitis they did when their cows were raised in a high-input, confinement setting. Several universities particularly, Wisconsin, Vermont, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio State, and Penn State are investigating grass-based dairying. Their dairy and animal science departments or Extension services can be contacted for excellent publications on the various aspects of managing a grass-based dairy system.