Livestock producers encouraged to test water supply

Jan 27, 2023

For livestock producers having access to a good, clean water supply is key.

Water quality can affect the feed intake, the absorption of nutrients, and overall productivity of animals.

Livestock and Feed Extension specialist Alicia Sopatyk encourages producers to get their water tested, adding one of the most common problems tends to be high sulfates.

"There are lots of parameters to be testing for that can cause problems, but the high sulfates can cause a toxicity scenario themselves depending on the level. You can get extreme toxicity causing blindness, polio and death on that subclinical level, secondary copper deficiency and things like that all affect our productivity and our bottom line."

Stats show that in the last three years about half of all provincial water samples tested had sulphate levels that were totally safe.

However, about 40 percent of the samples fell into the cautionary category, and just under 10 percent were considered unsuitable.

Click here to see more...

Video: Early Fall Colors | Scenic Ontario Road Trip!

All adventures must come to an end, but not without one more journey! Join The Wandering Shepherds as we say farewell to our cozy Calabogie cottage and take the scenic road trip home to Ewetopia Farms. Our first stop was a breathtaking hydroelectric generating station, framed by cliffs, rushing water, and brilliant fall leaves that seemed to have changed overnight. From there, we meandered along winding backroads through lakes and hills, soaking in the spectacular autumn scenery. This year, the colors seemed to arrive earlier than usual—perhaps due to the summer’s drought? Whatever the reason, it was an unforgettable display of Ontario’s fall beauty. Finally, our holiday drew to a close as we pulled back into Ewetopia Farms, ready to return to the sheep and our daily vlogs. But this trip reminded us how important it is to pause, explore, and appreciate the simple beauty around us.