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About Capital press. (Salem, OR) 19??-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 2, 2018)
8 CapitalPress.com February 2, 2018 Unique water systems help ranchers quench cows’ thirst By DIANNA TROYER For the Capital Press Frustrated with constant- ly hauling water to his thirsty cows, Jed Heaton brainstormed about ways to eliminate the te- dious chore. With polyethylene pipe, massive tire troughs, valves, and floats, he installed a per- manent watering system on his ranch south of Malta, Idaho near the Utah border. “Through word-of-mouth, we started helping other ranch- ers develop springs and ponds into permanent watering sys- tems,” said Heaton, who start- ed Range Water Solutions and Supplies in 2001. Since then, he and his crew have installed watering systems in Idaho, Utah, Nevada, Wy- oming, and Oregon. Often he works in conjunction with the Natural Resources Conserva- tion Service and other grazing improvement programs, using the agency’s range improve- ment guidelines. “We never thought it would get this big,” said Heaton, of the family-owned company, nicknamed www.thirstycows. com by his son Tykus three years ago. His work season starts in April and ends in December. One of his biggest jobs was in northeastern Utah near Ran- dolph, where he installed a sys- tem so ranchers would have a reliable water source. “We laid 50,000 feet of 3-inch mainline pipe and grouped 20 tire troughs togeth- er, in sets of three, with a float controlling them, so they fill level,” he said. On some jobs, he has in- stalled as many as six troughs on one float in one location, so the float controls storage of 9,600 gallons of water. His wife, Meshia, does the bookkeeping. “People tell me they like Dianna Troyer/For the Capital Press During winter, Jed Heaton maintains his equipment and replaces dozer tracks. Jed’s work because he knows how a cow thinks and can recommend the best place to put the troughs or ponds and how to configure the pipes,” said Meshia. “Plus, he has a reputation for doing a quick and quality job.” He uses high density poly- ethylene pipe that can be fused together at the joints with a McElroy welder. “That joint is amazingly strong,” he said. “You can beat on it, and it won’t break.” The circular troughs are durable, too, because they are made from tires that were used on massive gold mining equip- ment. The tires are about 12 feet tall and 5 feet wide. “We get them and cut them in half, so they’re about 27 inches tall,” he said. “They’re great because unlike metal troughs they won’t rust, dent, or spring a leak. When we put them in, we laser level the ground, so water is level in the trough.” Heaton buys semi-truck loads of pipe and other supplies to last the season. If ranchers want to install their own sys- tems, he gives advice and sells them what they need. Dianne Troyer/For the Capital Press Jed Heaton’s kids, Tykus and Braylee, fuse pipe joints with a McElroy welder. LEE’S DIESEL & MOBILE REPAIR Rickreall, OR • 866-390-9146 Pierce Pivot & Linear Irrigation Systems High Quality Parts & Service - Valley, Reinke & Zimmatic Linear, Corners, Pivots Jill has Underground Guidance is our Specialty Submersible, Line-Shaft Turbine & Diesel Pumps, Variable Speed Drives for Pumps & Motors, Trenching for PVC Mainline, Drainage & Electric, Direct Bury Power Cable Sales & Installation PVC Mainline Pipe & Fittings (all types), Generator Sets, Deutz & Isuzu Diesel Engines & Parts, Diesel Power conversions for Turbine Pumps Call Jill or the parts staff for further details. We’ll even help fill out the paperwork! DON’T WAIT! This program may not last long! Cell/Text 541-936-9146 * All items subject to Energy Trust conditions and approval. Energy Trust Incentives subject to Energy Trust qualifications. All items limited to inventory on hand. Ask our staff about Production Efficiency Programs. We can handle it! Visit our website for information. www.leesdiesel.com W18-3/106 www.ErnstIrrigation.com • 503-633-1111 20179 Main St., St. Paul, OR 97137
