The Hidden Marvel of Water on the Farm: A Cow’s Journey
Cows drink water. They drink a lot more water than humans because (wait for it)… they are a lot bigger than humans. I know, that one blew my mind as well. 😉
What often gets lost when talking about water usage is the number of times the same water gets used on a farm. On our farm, for instance, water is a vital part of every process, from cooling milk to hydrating our cows.
Cooling Milk with Water
Did you know that milk comes out of a cow at approximately 101°F? That milk has to be immediately cooled to preserve its quality and safety. Enter the plate cooler, a nifty piece of equipment that uses cold water to reduce the temperature of the milk as it flows through. This process ensures that the milk is quickly brought down to a safe temperature for storage and transport.
A Thirsty Bunch
After doing its job in the plate cooler, the water isn’t just discarded. Instead, it gets piped to the edge of the barn into a water trough where the cows can drink it. Cows can drink up to 50 gallons of water a day, depending on their size and the temperature. That’s a lot of hydration!
The Cycle Continues
Cows use what they need, and the excess water? Well, it comes out the other end. Yes, cows pee too! 😂 And this is where our farm’s sustainable cycle kicks in. We capture all of that wastewater, along with manure, into a giant holding tank called a slurry store.
Fertilizing the Fields
The slurry store is an essential part of our farm’s eco-friendly operations. The nutrient-rich mixture of water and manure is used to fertilize our fields. This natural fertilizer helps grow the crops that feed our cows. It’s a continuous cycle of use, reuse, and renewal that makes our farming practices sustainable and efficient.
From Field to Table
Cows eat the crops we grow, turning them into milk that gets processed into all kinds of dairy products – cheese, ice cream, butter, and more. The list goes on, but I think you get the point. Each step of the way, water is being used, reused, and maximized to ensure nothing goes to waste.
Fun Facts about Cows and Water
- A cow’s body is about 65% water.
- Cows can drink up to 50 gallons of water a day.
- Water is essential for a cow’s digestion and milk production.
- Efficient water use on farms can significantly reduce environmental impact.
Cows are pretty dang amazing. Their ability to turn water and feed into nutritious dairy products is nothing short of remarkable. Next time you enjoy a glass of milk or a scoop of ice cream, remember the incredible journey of water on the farm. #TheMoreYouKnow
