April 5, 2005 Photo: N |
"My hope is that this new technology can help
ranchers water their livestock using the means and areas that make the most
sense for their operations."
- Wyoming Gov. Dave Freudenthal
Freudenthal was on hand outside the Capitol for a demonstration of the pumps'
effectiveness. Developed by the University of Wyoming Electric Motor Training
and Testing Center, the approach can help ranchers who typically rely on surface
water for their livestock.
The new pumps would allow them to reach underground water supplies in remote
areas of their ranches. As livestock rarely venture far from water sources, more
watering locations can mean an improved utilization of the range.
"With Wyoming's ongoing drought, surface water is not as readily available
as we might like," Freudenthal said. "My hope is that this new
technology can help ranchers water their livestock using the means and areas
that make the most sense for their operations."
The project is funded through the state's petroleum violation fund, administered
by the Wyoming Business Council. It aims to publicize uses of renewable energy
and promote conservation, which is accomplished with this program because
ranchers often use smaller, less efficient diesel engines to pump water for
their livestock.
During this pilot stage of the project, state officials hope to deploy between
two and four pumps in each of the state's 23 counties. As the program
progresses, the goal is -- with support from groups such as the Wyoming
Association of Conservation Districts -- to generate matching funds from the
U.S. Department of Agriculture, private resources and other conservation
programs to help provide pumps to all ranchers who qualify.
Each rancher receiving a pilot pump will also be asked to provide such services
as concrete pads for the pump or fencing the system. They will also be expected
to allow public access to the solar- or wind-powered stock water pumps for
demonstrations.
Bob Yeik, who ranches on about 5,000 acres west of Yoder, Wyoming, has been
running a solar-powered pump on a 2,000-acre pasture for almost two years.
"It's operated now for about two summers, and has been very satisfactory
watering more than 100 head of cattle during the summer months," Yeik said.
"Without it, I would have had to consider a new windmill tower or running a
mile and a half of electric line in there, which was going to cost me a large
sum of money. We are, up to now, quite happy with the pump."
Ranchers are asked to submit applications providing basic information on their
operations to a committee formed by conservation districts, rural electric
cooperatives, UW Cooperative Extension and rural ranching organizations, in
consultation with the Department of Agriculture. The pilot is being launched,
said Department of Agriculture Director John Etchepare, to give ranchers a
chance to see what is relatively new technology in action.
"In all of the years I was in ranching, having reliable water sources was a
number one priority," Etchepare said. "We were almost totally
dependent on our windmills for our livestock and wildlife water. Let me assure
you that the wind does not always blow in Wyoming. This new technology comes
highly recommended and looks to be a very valuable resource for Wyoming's
farmers and ranchers."
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