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Originally Posted by Iowanian
Barbed wire rates in iowania are around $1.50/ft or near $2k/ 1/4 mile. Fencing isn't cheap. That is also a standard fencing rate and would increase if you go 6 barb and more if fence is taller or woven wire.
Relating to water I am not sure how that works in Kansas but it is my understanding that you cannot do things to remove water rights from neighbors. Example you couldn't divert or pond a stream if it took water away from downstream neighbors.
You didn't answer my question. Do you have livestock experience or does your family own land and you think it should be generating more income. Do you understand livestock and the associated work? Calving. Treatment of sickness, pinkeye, hoof rot, working them. Hay production, winter feeding etc? You have water. Is it heated or are you chopping ice every day of winter?
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We figured it would be about $25K for the fencing. With regard to the water, we wouldn't be obstructing any water rights. The other three sections don't have the water. Period. That is why they are collecting rent on cattle that is never on their land and we are being overgrazed. The water doesn't run to their land. We don't have to worry about it running dry or freezing over. It was the only source of water in the area that didn't run dry during the dust bowl and it has never frozen over in the winter. It is so pure you can drink it straight from the source.
Our lack of experience with cattle is one of the reasons why we are considering bison; they are supposed to be easier to raise in terms of management. They are something that can be kept in the pasture year round. We are going to be talking to some bison ranchers in the near future around here. There are a couple of good operations nearby. After talking to them, I think we will have a better idea of whether or not this is something we want to undertake.