One of the most important aspects of running a homestead is making sure our gardens and livestock have access to a clean supply of fresh water. And it’s a job that can take up a big chunk of our time. But how much effort do we make trying to improve our homestead water systems?
Thoughtful planning and management of water systems is one of the most important, and yet overlooked, aspects of the homestead. Let’s face it, none of us are getting any younger. The work we invest now can increase our longevity on the homestead and make it easier to run our small farms as we age.
Thankfully, those who have gone before us have gained valuable insight and experience through trial and error on their own farms and are willing to share what they have learned to get us on the fast track to success.
The Fit Farmer and Homesteaders of American conference speaker, Mike Dickson, recently joined Joel Salatin on his farm in Virginia. Joel gave Mike a tour of his off-grid permaculture water systems on Polyface Farms that supply water to his entire livestock operation, as well as his garden.
Both Joel & Mike will be back this year to speak at the HOA conference this year! Joel will be speaking about farming with kids and Mike will be sharing information about growing nutritious vegetables…. fast!
Water Systems on the Farm: Off-Grid, Automatic Solutions from Joel Salatin
Portable water is one of the most important features on their farm. Joel’s goal is that their farm management leaves the land with more water, instead of depleting resources through the use of a well that only takes from the aquifer instead of giving back.
This passive water system was inspired by the beaver ponds that used to irrigate the land of this nation and includes 15 terraced pond systems that are built in the valleys to create catchment areas for surface runoff from snow melt or flood waters.
After the initial investment, the water systems on Polyface are low-cost through the use of a simple, powerful, and FREE force called…. gravity.
While most of the world is dry and getting dryer, Joel’s farm has more water than ever while creating riparian areas, clear water so clean and pure you can drink it at the source, and hydrating all of the livestock they raise.
This is a behind-the-scenes peek at one of the most important systems at Polyface that most visitors don’t get the chance to see. And it’s FULL of great information and tips to get your creative juices flowing.
You’ll learn about bicycle-powered ideas for filling catchment systems for those homesteads without slopes, low-cost solutions you can find materials for at the hardware store, using pigs to seal the bottom of the pond, and more!
Get a pen and paper ready cause you’ll want to take some notes!
Looking for more homestead water solutions? Become a Homesteaders of America VIP member and watch Shawn & Beth Dougherty speak on Passive & Low Pressure Water Systems on the Homestead from the 2019 HOA conference! Join today and get access to watch their low-cost, gravity-fed water solutions for the small farm and much more!
