Winter Water Management: Engineering Reliability into Livestock Operations

In cold-weather livestock systems, water access is not optional; it is necessary. Once temperatures fall below freezing, open water becomes one of the most failure-prone points in the operation. Frozen tanks disrupt intake, reduce feed efficiency, and introduce unnecessary labor and risk during the most demanding months of the year.

From cow-calf and dairy operations to feedlots and small ruminant operations, winter water systems must do one thing consistently: keep water accessible regardless of temperature swings, wind, or prolonged cold spells.

The Production Impact of Frozen Water

Cold stress already increases maintenance energy requirements in livestock. When water intake is restricted due to ice buildup, the downstream effects compound quickly:

• Reduced dry matter intake and poorer feed conversion
• Weight loss or stalled gains
• Lower milk production and inconsistent hydration
• Increased labor costs tied to manual ice removal
• Higher risk of injury during daily tank maintenance

Manual ice breaking is not a scalable solution. It is reactive, labor-intensive, and unreliable during prolonged cold snaps. Modern winter water management requires purpose-built heating equipment engineered for agricultural use.

Technical Considerations When Selecting a Stock Tank Heater

Not all heaters are equal. In agricultural environments, equipment must perform under abuse, exposure, and continuous use. Key technical factors include:

1. Heat Output and Recovery
   A heater must provide sufficient BTUs to prevent freeze-over—not just melt surface ice—especially during overnight lows and high wind conditions.
2. Structural Durability
   Livestock contact, tank movement, and thermal expansion demand heavy-gauge materials and secure mounting systems.
3. Fuel Reliability
   In many rural and remote operations, LP gas offers consistent availability where electrical infrastructure is limited or unreliable.
4. Serviceability
   Agricultural heaters should be designed to be repaired, not replaced, minimizing downtime and long-term operating costs.

Trojan 66B Stock Tank Heater: Designed for Real Winter Conditions

The Trojan 66B Stock Tank Heater is engineered specifically for harsh agricultural environments where failure is not an option. This is not a light-duty accessory—it is a primary winter infrastructure component.

Technical Highlights

• Up to 12,400 BTU/hour heat output, delivering reliable freeze prevention even in extended sub-zero conditions
• LP gas operation, ideal for operations without dependable electrical access or where power outages are common
• Heavy steel construction built to withstand livestock contact and long-term outdoor exposure
• Automatic control system that regulates heat output based on water temperature, reducing fuel waste
• Adjustable mounting brackets compatible with steel, poly, concrete, and wood stock tanks

This heater is designed to maintain a consistent open-water zone, allowing animals to drink freely without constant human intervention.

Operational Advantages for Producers

• Reduced Labor
  Once installed, the Trojan 66B significantly reduces daily winter labor by eliminating the need for repeated ice removal and emergency tank checks.
• Improved Animal Performance
  Consistent water access supports steady intake, stable rumen function, and improved winter gains or milk production.
• Long-Term Cost Control
  Durable construction and serviceable components reduce the frequency of replacements and extend equipment life across multiple seasons.
• Scalable Use
  Whether deployed on a single tank or standardized across an entire operation, the 66B integrates cleanly into winter management protocols.

Installation and Best-Practice Use

• Install the heater where livestock naturally drink to maximize effectiveness
• Ensure proper LP supply sizing based on expected runtime and climate severity
• Inspect mounting brackets and burner assembly at the start of each winter season
• Monitor propane levels during extended cold periods to avoid interruptions

Bottom Line: Build Winter Water Systems That Work as Hard as You Do

Winter weather will always challenge livestock operations, but frozen water does not have to be one of them. The Trojan 66B Stock Tank Heater delivers high-output heat, rugged construction, and proven reliability, making it a dependable solution for producers who demand performance, not improvisation.

For operations looking to reduce labor, protect animal performance, and maintain consistent water access through the harshest months, the Trojan 66B is not just a heater—it is a winter water management upgrade.