“A big reason why many of our pastures and rangelands go underutilized is simply due to a lack of access to high-quality, abundant water resources,” Warner said. Warner said many beef operations in Kansas and similar regions do not have abundant groundwater or access to rural water systems. Warner said spring boxes are relatively easy to develop and can provide dependable water when properly designed and maintained. At the same time, he urged producers to regularly check existing springs and spring boxes for reduced flow or leaks. Stacy Minson, a K-State Extension watershed specialist in the Kanopolis Watershed in west-central Kansas, said the university’s extension network is designed to support ranchers tackling these types of water challenges.