English 
September is a valuable month for getting livestock buildings, yards and equipment ready for the season ahead.
As grazing conditions change and more animals spend time around collection areas, feed spaces or housing, small equipment problems can quickly become daily frustrations. Leaking valves, difficult-to-clean troughs, inadequate water storage and poorly positioned footbaths are much easier to address before winter routines are in full swing.
Water management is also receiving increasing attention across the agricultural sector. The Environment Agency’s 2026 agriculture report highlights the importance of cleaner water, better nutrient management and practical action to reduce agricultural pollution.
Five practical checks farmers can make now.
1. Inspect drinking points before animals go inside
Reliable access to clean drinking water remains essential when livestock move from grazing into housed systems.
Inspect each drinking point for:
- Damaged or sticking ballcocks
- Slow refill rates
- Leaking connections
- Cracks or damaged edges
- Dirt collecting in corners
- Poor access for cleaning
Consider whether the number and position of drinkers remain suitable for the animals using each pen. A drinking point that worked for a smaller group may become a bottleneck if stocking arrangements have changed.
Paxton’s drinking troughs and bowls are designed for a range of livestock applications, from individual loose boxes to larger pens and yards.
The Paxton AT17 Rectangular Drinking Trough has a 77-litre capacity and can be positioned between two fields, yards or pens.
Its tough, double-skin design, removable service cover and easy-clean surface make it a practical option for beef cattle, dairy cows, horses and sheep.
2. Clean and reposition feed troughs
Autumn is a good time to remove old feed residue and thoroughly clean feeding equipment.
Check that troughs are stable, accessible and positioned to reduce unnecessary contamination. Smooth, easy-clean surfaces can make routine maintenance simpler, particularly during busy winter-feeding periods.
It is also worth reviewing whether there is enough trough space for the group. Watch animals at feeding time and look for excessive competition or areas that are difficult for smaller or lower-ranking animals to reach.
Paxton offers a selection of floor-standing and hanging feed troughs for cattle, sheep, horses and other livestock. The range forms part of Paxton’s wider collection of agricultural products, which also includes drinking troughs, footbaths, sheep dips and water tanks.
3. Prepare a practical foot-care area
Wetter ground, gateways and high-traffic areas can increase the amount of mud and organic material carried on animals’ feet.
Before winter, review the location and condition of your foot-care facilities. The area should fit safely into the livestock-handling route, while remaining accessible for filling, emptying and cleaning.
The correct treatment and frequency will depend on the livestock, farm conditions and veterinary advice. Always follow the product instructions for any treatment being used and consult your vet or animal-health adviser when reviewing a foot-care protocol.
For cattle and mixed livestock operations, the Paxton FB1 Footbath has a 180-litre capacity, an anti-slip base, smooth edges and a tough one-piece construction.
It is suitable for beef cattle, dairy cows, horses and sheep.
For sheep and smaller livestock, the Paxton FB6 Footbath provides a more compact 75-litre option. Units can be linked lengthwise where a longer run is required.
4. Review water storage and winter resilience
Following a hot, dry summer, it is best practice to consider how resilient the farm’s water arrangements will be through the coming seasons.
Think about:
- How long the farm could operate if the mains supply were interrupted
- Whether stored water is protected from contamination
- Which buildings or troughs rely on a single supply route
- Whether tanks, pipes and fittings are ready for colder weather
- How easily stored water can be inspected and cleaned
The Environment Agency publishes monthly information covering rainfall, soil moisture, river flows, groundwater and reservoir levels, helping farmers and rural businesses keep track of the wider water situation.
The Paxton CT0200JA Water Tank offers 909 litres of above-ground storage.
It is suitable for potable water and features a smooth internal surface, screw-in lid, lifting lugs and a standard 2-inch outlet.
Larger capacities are also available through the Paxton water tank range.
5. Look for leaks, runoff and preventable waste
A small leak can waste water, create persistently wet areas and add to yard-management problems.
Walk the system from the supply point to each drinker and tank. Check around valves, joints, outlets and overflow points. Repairing faults before regular frosts or prolonged wet weather can help avoid more disruptive failures later.
Farmers and land managers in England must also take steps to prevent agricultural diffuse pollution, including pollution caused by runoff, erosion and leaching. Current Farming Rules for Water guidance recommends assessing factors such as soil condition, ground cover, slopes, drains and proximity to watercourses.
Equipment alone does not ensure compliance, but well-maintained tanks, troughs and handling areas can support more controlled day-to-day water and livestock management.
Get ready for the season ahead with Paxton Agricultural
A few checks now can make winter routines safer, cleaner and easier to manage.
Paxton Agricultural manufactures a robust range of drinking troughs, feed troughs, drinking bowls, livestock footbaths and water storage tanks for farms of different sizes. Standard black products are manufactured using up to 100% recycled plastic, subject to material availability.
Explore the Paxton Agricultural product range and prepare your livestock facilities for the season ahead.
Information last checked: 8 September 2026. Regulations and animal-health recommendations can change, so check the latest official guidance and seek professional advice where appropriate.
