Depending on your needs, farm ponds can have a variety of uses. On farms of all types, ponds can provide some measure of protection against fire. In areas where forest fires are a threat, they are useful as a water barrier to keep flames away from crops and structures—plus fire departments can use ponds when there are no nearby fire hydrants.
Farm ponds are also a good way to provide water for crops and animals alike. Use them to irrigate crops or place them in pastures where animals can readily drink from them. Farmers interested in aquaculture can create dual-purpose ponds useful for irrigation and fire protection while also using them to produce fish, aquatic plants and other valuable crops. They’re also valuable as a recreational feature. You can stock a farm pond with fish to spend afternoons fishing, go swimming, or enjoy a picnic on the dock. Keep in mind, too, that farm ponds can be good for the environment because they attract wildlife like waterfowl and amphibians, thus increasing biodiversity—while giving you a great way to view wildlife.
