USA - Livestock producers should prepare for flooding

11.03.2020 173 views
Floodwaters can rise quickly, cutting off access to feeding and/or water for livestock.
Livestock producers should make plans for moving feed and livestock to higher ground before flooding this spring, North Dakota State University Extension specialists say.
While the latest flood forecast showed some improvements, many areas of North Dakota are projected to experience moderate to major flooding this spring. The greatest flood impacts are expected to be on farms and ranches because of overland flooding. Due to the nature of overland flooding, many areas that typically do not flood may be flooded this year. “Floodwaters can rise quickly, potentially cutting off access to feeding and/or water for livestock,” warns Miranda Meehan, an Extension livestock environmental stewardship specialist. “Beef cattle out on pasture are especially susceptible to displacement by flooding. “Although cattle will move to higher ground if possible, they may move to areas where rescue is not possible,” she adds. “Trying to rescue cattle and other large livestock in deep-water situations is dangerous, and it can be deadly both to animals and people. Plans should be made weeks ahead of a potential disaster, with consideration given to pens, loading facilities, transportation, evacuation routes and final destination of livestock.” Floodwaters often prevent producers from reaching feed supplies either directly or through damage to roads. “Having feed supplies on hand is important because feed assistance may not be available during a flood,” says Karl Hoppe, an Extension livestock systems specialist based at NDSU’s Carrington Research Extension. “Producers should pre-select sites on high ground for hay, emergency water supplies, and fencing supplies or panels.” Producers also need to be aware that moving feed may cause problems, the specialists say. For example, moving big round hay bales to higher ground can result in hay loss because twine- or net-wrapped bales may be frozen to the ground. Also, road weight restrictions can limit producers’ ability to haul in the news feed if they use coproducts such as beet pulp, beet tailings or distillers grains to feed their cattle. “Producers need to ensure accessible storage facilities and an adequate supply of feedstuffs,” Hoppe says. While not all areas will experience flooding, mud is likely to be an issue on many farms and ranches this spring. “Mud can reduce the insulation value of hair coats, increase energy requirements, and increase the potential for footrot and other health issues,” cautions Travis Hoffman, Extension sheep specialist. Mud also may chill or trap newborn calves and lambs and can carry a variety of pathogens that can affect calves and lambs directly or through contact with dirty udders. “There are few options once muddy conditions are in place; therefore, preventive practices are key,” says Janna Block, Extension livestock systems specialist based at NDSU’s Hettinger Research Extension Center. Here is what the specialists recommend producers to do to lessen muddy conditions:
  • Scrape lots to maintain a 3% to 5% slope away from the feed bunk.
  • Reshape mounds to ensure quick drainage.
  • Move livestock to temporary feeding areas such as stockpiled pastures with adequate drainage or fields containing crop residue such as corn stalks.
“However, utilizing crop residue is not recommended due to the high risk for soil compaction, creating challenging planting conditions,” Meehan says. “We recommend that producers evaluate their potential for flooding and plan accordingly,” Meehan says. “If you do not have access to higher ground, you may need to consider moving livestock off-site until the risk of flooding subsides. If you need help evaluating options, contact your NDSU Extension agent or emergency management office.” Source - https://www.prairiebusinessmagazine.com
28.03.2024

Canada - How Sask.'s new budget does and doesn't address climate change

The world is facing record heat from human-caused climate change brought on by carbon dioxide and methane emissions, but the words "climate change" don't appear once in Saskatchewan's newly released 75-page 2024-25 budget.

28.03.2024

Kenya - How crop insurance is transforming agriculture

Kenyan farmers continue to face challenges due to unpredictable weather conditions. As a result, they are turning to insurance coverage for their crops and livestock. Insurance experts have reported that most farmers who are insuring their crops are smallholders who rely on rain-fed agriculture and use low-technology farming methods.

28.03.2024

USA - How spring temperature fluctuations, early blooms are impacting Centre County fruit farmers

Plenty of people in Centre County got outside to enjoy temperatures in the 60s and 70s earlier this month, but spring weather fluctuations continue to cause concern for local fruit farmers.

28.03.2024

USA - Farmers use helicopters to warm crops amid spring freezes

An early spring this year means more work for farmers as early blooms face freezing temperatures. Les Dozier's Sta-N-Step Farms has served Northwest Arkansas since 1989. His farm is one of many facing freezing temperatures that could ruin crops.

28.03.2024

Ireland - Potato will be scarce by June, farmers praying for rain to stop

Farmers have to "watch, hope and pray" for a "sweet spot" of dry weather in the coming weeks or many will have to debate whether to plant at all this year. As continuous rainfall adds to already saturated ground, many big and small potato farmers are warning that the Irish favourite variety of Rooster may be in scarce supply by June.

28.03.2024

USA - Several metro Atlanta counties declared natural disaster zones after severe drought

More than 30 Georgia counties — including 10 in metro Atlanta — have been designated “primary natural disaster areas” by the United States Department of Agriculture, the agency announced Thursday.

27.03.2024

Turkey - Climate change may affect grape cultivation

A recent study has highlighted the impact of the climate crisis on viticulture in Turkey, predicting that the expected rise in temperatures and reduced rainfall could shift the suitability of vineyard regions for grape production over the next three decades.

27.03.2024

Crop crisis reveals El Niño’s toll on Southern Africa

New findings from the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (Enso) reference group highlight the significant impact of the 2023/24 El Niño event on various aspects of climate and agriculture in Southern Africa.

istanbul escort şişli escort tbilisi escort şişli escort şişli escort maslak escort istanbul escort beşiktaş escort taksim escort izmir escort ümraniye escort mecidiyeköy escort şişli escort taksim escort ümraniye escort kartal escort şirinevler escort maltepe escort istanbul escort ümraniye escort kadıköy escort vip escort mersin escort istanbul escorts ataköy escort avcılar escort beylikdüzü escort okmeydanı escort şişli escort tuzla escort işitme cihazı sex shop sex shop sex shop sex shop sex shop sex shop sex shop sex shop