K-State cattle experts advise producers to prep water systems for winter

Whether in a pasture or in the barn, cattle need access to clean, free-flowing water year-round for optimum growth and development. | Download this photo. Water is important nutrient for health and production MANHATTAN, Kan. — There is nothing like a refreshing drink of water to hydrate one’s body, but what happens when the only available water is frozen? As beef producers manage the herd in dropping temperatures this winter, Kansas State University Beef…

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Water: The Unappreciated Nutrient

Warren Rusche SDSU Extension Beef Feedlot Management Associate Water might be the Rodney Dangerfield of nutrients—it just doesn’t get any respect. We could use the latest edition of “Nutrient Requirements of Beef Cattle” as an example. Of the six classes of nutrients discussed in that resource, water is the last topic and the shortest chapter even though water makes up 99% of every molecule in an animal. It is easy to fall into…

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K-State teams with state agencies to seek solutions to blue-green algae

K-State Research and Extension, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and other state and local agencies are conducting a study focused on using barley straw to mitigate the effects of blue-green algae in farm ponds and lakes in northeast Kansas. | Download this photo. Study in northeast Kansas ponds shows promise HOLTON, Kan. -- In her day-to-day work as an extension agent in northeast Kansas, Jody Holthaus often gets calls from landowners looking for…

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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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