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Livestock Water Quality Program

Search for Excellence in Livestock Production

Miranda Meehan
Ext. Livestock Enviromental Stewarship Specialist
NDSU Extension
Fargo

Team Members: Meehan, M*1, Scherer, T2, Wald, R*3, Brummund, P*4, Leier, E*5, Nordby, H*6, Klebe, B7, Berg, L*8, Hewson, S*9, Racine, J*10, Zimprich, B*11, Ueckert, A*12, Landeis, K*13, Askim, C*14, Folske, D*15, Gress, R*16, Osterbauer, T*17, Schmidt, R*18, Leo, D19, Leo, K*20, Gerhardt, S*21, Crimmins, S*22, Clemens, S*23, Gale, J*24, Binde, T*25, Kralicek, T*26, Schaunaman, C*27, Miller, M*28, Knoke, S*29, Howard, C*30, Marxen, H*31, Kiser, B*32
  1. Ext. Livestock Enviromental Stewarship Specialist, , Fargo, North Dakota, 58108
  2. Agricultural Engineer, NDSU Extension, , North Dakota,
  3. Agriculture Natural Resources Extension Agent, NDSU Extension, , North Dakota,
  4. Agriculture Natural Resources Extension Agent, NDSU Extension, , North Dakota,
  5. Agriculture Natural Resources Extension Agent, NDSU Extension, , North Dakota,
  6. Agriculture Natural Resources Extension Agent, NDSU Extension, , North Dakota,
  7. Agriculture Natural Resources Extension Agent, NDSU Extension, , North Dakota,
  8. Agriculture Natural Resources Extension Agent, NDSU Extension, , North Dakota,
  9. Agriculture Natural Resources Extension Agent, NDSU Extension, , North Dakota,
  10. Agriculture Natural Resources Extension Agent, NDSU Extension, , North Dakota,
  11. Agriculture Natural Resources Extension Agent, NDSU Extension, , North Dakota,
  12. Agriculture Natural Resources Extension Agent, NDSU Extension, , North Dakota,
  13. Agriculture Natural Resources Extension Agent, NDSU Extension, , North Dakota,
  14. Agriculture Natural Resources Extension Agent, NDSU Extension, , North Dakota,
  15. Agriculture Natural Resources Extension Agent, NDSU Extension, , North Dakota,
  16. Agriculture Natural Resources Extension Agent, NDSU Extension, , North Dakota,
  17. Agriculture Natural Resources Extension Agent, NDSU Extension, , North Dakota,
  18. Agriculture Natural Resources Extension Agent, NDSU Extension, , North Dakota,
  19. Agriculture Natural Resources Extension Agent, NDSU Extension, , North Dakota,
  20. Agriculture Natural Resources Extension Agent, NDSU Extension, , North Dakota,
  21. Agriculture Natural Resources Extension Agent, NDSU Extension, , North Dakota,
  22. Agriculture Natural Resources Extension Agent, NDSU Extension, , North Dakota,
  23. Agriculture Natural Resources Extension Agent, NDSU Extension, , North Dakota,
  24. Agriculture Natural Resources Extension Agent, NDSU Extension, , North Dakota,
  25. Agriculture Natural Resources Extension Agent, NDSU Extension, , North Dakota,
  26. Agriculture Natural Resources Extension Agent, NDSU Extension, , North Dakota,
  27. Agriculture Natural Resources Extension Agent, NDSU Extension, , North Dakota,
  28. Agriculture Natural Resources Extension Agent, NDSU Extension, , North Dakota,
  29. Agriculture Natural Resources Extension Agent, NDSU Extension, , North Dakota,
  30. Agriculture Natural Resources Extension Agent, NDSU Extension, , North Dakota,
  31. Agriculture Natural Resources Extension Agent, NDSU Extension, , North Dakota,
  32. Agriculture Natural Resources Extension Agent, NDSU Extension, , North Dakota,

Abstract

Providing adequate water to livestock is critical for animal health and production. Elevated concentrations of total dissolved solids (TDS) and sulfates can be toxic to livestock. Water quality screening and analysis of livestock sources allows ranchers to ensure water quality is not impacting livestock performance and/or health, while aiding in making management decisions.  While several agents have training in animal science, many do not, additionally livestock water quality is a minor component of animal science curriculum. The objective of this program were to 1) increase knowledge and understanding of Extension agents regarding water quality and the impacts it has on livestock health and performance, 2) increase the interaction between Extension agents and producers in their county regarding livestock water quality and 3) increase producers’ knowledge and understanding regarding water quality issues that can impact livestock performance and health, increase producer screening and testing quality livestock sources, resulting in reduced livestock losses due to toxic water condition and the development of alternative livestock water sources. In 2019 a program was launched to provide Extension agents with the equipment, technical skills and knowledge to monitor and engage with livestock producers on the topic of water quality. The program included in-service trainings, on-farm monitoring and the development of curriculum to share with stakeholders and present at meetings, tours and field days. Extension agents (110) that attended in-service trainings agreed to strongly agreed the training increased their knowledge of livestock water quality. Additionally, 100% of participants intended to incorporate the curriculum into their programing efforts. Extension agents’ confidence to engage with stakeholders is reflected the total screenings (1,841), presentations (29), articles (50) and media interviews (25) on the topic. Management changes were made at 10 (24%) and 214 (65%) of the locations with water quality concerns in 2020 and 2021, respectively. Follow-up surveys indicated 50% of participants intended to monitor water quality and/or install water developments and 28 of participants had installed a livestock water development.

Entry