BROOKINGS, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) 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