South Dakota State University Extension is offering on-site livestock water testing services across the state and encouraging producers to take advantage.
“It’s never too early to start testing your water,” said Robin Salverson, SDSU Extension Cow/Calf Field Specialist. “Your animals’ health should not be the indicator of water quality. Be proactive and test the water prior to turnout to protect yourself from loss in productivity or death.”
Poor water quality can hurt livestock’s growth and reproduction, making it critical to monitor their water supply. Severely contaminated water can cause illness or death. Salverson said testing is the only way to be sure because even clear water can be of poor quality.
SDSU Extension offers water testing services at all eight regional centers and at 26 county offices across the state. Salverson said early tests are already showing high total salt contents.
Water samples can be taken to one of the SDSU Extension sites. Samples must be collected in a clean plastic or glass container, such as a sanitized water or pop bottle or jelly jar.
A quick test is conducted free of charge with an electro-conductivity (EC) meter to determine total salts in the water. After consultation with an SDSU Extension field or state specialist, Salverson said additional laboratory testing may be suggested, but will be at the cost of the producer.
“Completing a free, quick test is a cheap insurance policy,” she said.
Salverson said there are many factors that determine water quality. South Dakota soils tend to be high in salt content, which can in turn raise the salt levels in dugouts, creeks and streams. Snowfall, rain, grazing management – everything contributes to water quality.
“Really consider and think about your grazing management and how that is influencing or impacting your water, and is that a good thing or bad thing,” Salverson said.
For more information, contact Robin Salverson, SDSU Extension Cow/Calf Field Specialist, at 605-374-4177 or Robin.Salverson@sdstate.edu.
SDSU Extension Regional Centers where testing is available
Aberdeen Regional Center: 605-626-2870
Lemmon Regional Center: 605-374-4177
Mitchell Regional Center: 605-995-7378
Pierre Regional Center: 605-773-8120
West River Research and Extension (Rapid City): 605-394-1722
Sioux Falls Regional Center: 605-782-3290
Watertown Regional Center: 605-882-5140
Winner Regional Center: 605-842-1267
County offices where testing is available
Aurora County: Tina Kieffer, 605-942-7754
Bennett County: Mary Kay Sell, 605-685-6972
Brookings County: Julie Walker, 605-688-5458
Butte/Lawrence Counties: Cindy Riley, 605-892-3371
Campbell County: Robin Salverson, 605-955-3305
Corson County: Robin Salverson, 605-374-4177
Charles Mix County: Sara Bauder, 605-487-7666
Dewey County: Rita Long, 605-865-3652
Douglas County: Kim Klein, 605-724-2719
Fall River County: Erin McGlumphy/Chrissy Porter, 605-745-5133
Gregory County: Sean Kelly, 605-842-1267
Haakon County: LeAnna Fitzgerald, 605-859-2840
Hanson County: Penny Speich, 605-239-4542
Harding County: Ryanna Turbiville/Laurie Elmore, 605-375-3412
Hutchinson County: Jenaya Brengle, 605-387-4205
Jerauld County: Teresa Fonder, 605-539-9471
Kingsbury County: Kathy DeDeyne, 605-854-3851
Lake County: Jen Hayford/Jill Dold, 605-256-7603
McCook County: Stacy Sieverding, 605-425-2242
McPherson County: Jackie Rau, 605-439-3331
Miner County: Cheryl Moore/Jillian Calmus, 605-772-4661
Moody County: Whitney Sams, 605-997-2469
Roberts County: Lauren Sankey/Dustie Richards, 605-698-7627
Todd County: Ron Frederick, 605-856-2198
Tripp County: Sean Kelly, 605-842-1267
Walworth County: Robin Salverson, 605-374-4177
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