Trump Administration Invests $462 Million to Modernize Water and Wastewater Infrastructure in Rural Communities

Funding will Improve Rural Water Infrastructure for 467,000 Rural Americans in 44 States WASHINGTON, D.C., Aug. 3, 2020 – The Trump Administration today announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $462 million to modernize critical drinking water (PDF, 367 KB) and wastewater infrastructure across rural America.“Upgrading the infrastructure that delivers safe drinking water and modern wastewater management facilities will improve public health and drive economic development in our small towns and cities,”…

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Blue-Green Algae and Livestock

Adele Harty SDSU Extension Cow/Calf Field SpecialistAdditional Authors: Robin Salverson With the expanding drought conditions across Western South Dakota, there are increased concerns about livestock water quality. One water quality concern stems from the algae blooms on stock dams. The predominant question is whether the algae presents health concerns for livestock. Depending on the type of algae, it can be a concern. With warmer temperatures, the conditions are right for blue-green algae blooms. About…

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Summertime water requirements for the cow herd

by Glenn Selk, Oklahoma State University Emeritus Extension animal scientist During hot summer months, the water needed for a cow herd often determines several other management decisions.  To best assess the adequacy of water quantities in surface water or from wells or “rural water” supplies, it first is necessary to have an idea of the amount needed for cattle of different sizes and stages of production that you may have during the summer…

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How Important Is Water Quality to Livestock?

Robin Salverson SDSU Extension Cow/Calf Field Specialist Water is the most important nutrient to all livestock animals and is sometimes overlooked. Poor quality water can have a negative effect on growth, reproduction, and general productivity of the animal. In some cases, death could occur within days or hours after consumption of contaminated waters or water deprivation. Therefore, continuous monitoring of water quality and quantity are important to maintain a productive livestock program. What…

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Checking Water from Afar

Aaron Berger, Nebraska Extension Beef Educator Being able to quickly identify if a problem is occurring with a water source gives producers the opportunity to respond rapidly to correct any issues. Photo cedit Troy Walz. For cattle producers who rely on wells in pastures and rangelands as a water source for their cattle, much time is spent checking water to make sure that windmills and submersible wells are delivering the water cattle need.  …

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Take steps now to reduce aquatic plants in farm ponds

Healthy farm ponds provide fishing, swimming and boating opportunities, as well as a water source for range cattle. K-State’s Lee outlines options for maintaining pond health MANHATTAN, Kan. – In rural Kansas, the farm pond is a central part of family life. Aside from providing a water source for range cattle and other livestock, some ponds provide recreation for family members, including swimming, fishing and even boating. In an emergency, water from the…

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Water into swine: U.S. using less water for livestock than in 1960

Six decades after pouring water into its livestock production, the United States is investing relative drops in the bucket to produce its meat, milk and eggs, says a recent analysis from Nebraska’s Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute. Relying on data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and other sources, the team analyzed the annual U.S. outputs of beef, pork, poultry and milk from 1960 to 2016. The researchers also estimated the yearly…

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2020 Ogallala Aquifer Summit will take place March 31-April 1 in Amarillo, Texas

The 2020 Ogallala Aquifer Summit will take place in Amarillo, Texas, from March 31 to April 1, bringing together water management leaders from all eight Ogallala region states: Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, South Dakota and Wyoming. The dynamic, interactive event will focus on encouraging exchange among participants about innovative programs and effective approaches to addressing the region’s significant water-related challenges. “Tackling Tough Question” is the theme of the event. Workshops…

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Secretary Perdue Statement on EPA WOTUS Rule

(Washington, D.C., January 23, 2020) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today praised the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for defining the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule with the Navigable Waters Protection Rule:   “President Trump is restoring the rule of law and empowering Americans by removing undue burdens and strangling regulations from the backs of our productive farmers, ranchers, and rural land-owners. The days are gone when the Federal Government…

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Breaking the Ice

Christine Gelley, Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator, Noble County, OSU Extension Happy Holidays readers! With holiday gatherings a plenty right now, I thought maybe you would appreciate a suggestion for a conversation starter. Why not break the ice about breaking the ice? Owners of livestock and pets will probably sympathize with you over a cup of hot cider by the tree. With the cold finally settling in, keeping free flowing water available can…

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