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small pond full of cyanobacteria
Livestock, News

Keep an eye out for blue-green algae in dugouts

The cyanobacteria is highly toxic and it’s better to be cautious, says water engineer

By
Reading Time: 2 minutes When temperatures rise, you need to be on the watch for toxic bacteria in dugouts. “Blue-green algae is actually cyanobacteria, and can produce toxins that can be very dangerous,” said Shawn Elgert, agricultural water engineer with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry. “It can cause organ damage or even death if ingested by livestock or pets.” “If […] Read more
small pond full of cyanobacteria
News

Heat wave may have left a toxic legacy

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Reading Time: 2 minutes The heat wave from earlier this month could pose a lingering and deadly danger to your children, livestock, or pets — blue-green algae. The algae contains several types of toxins, which can cause organ damage; affect the nervous and respiratory systems; cause paralysis; and, in extreme cases, can kill. While people are not likely to […] Read more
Toxins produced by blue-green algae can cause organ damage or even death if ingested by livestock or pets.
News

Algae could put dugout water safety at risk

By
Reading Time: < 1 minute An Alberta Agriculture and Forestry (AF) water specialist has a warning about the dangers of blue-green algae. “Blue-green algae is actually cyanobacteria, and can produce toxins that can be very dangerous,” says Shawn Elgert, agricultural water engineer, Barrhead. Elgert says the first and most important step is to identify the type of growth. “Blue-green algae […] Read more
(Screengrab from Lake Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation video via YouTube)
Crops, Weather

Ontario watershed study shows overapplication of phosphorus

By
Farmers in one Huron County, Ont. watershed are applying almost exactly the nitrogen needed by their crops, but more than 30 per cent more phosphorus than is needed. University of Guelph researchers reached the conclusions by analyzing multiple years of data collected by the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority during in-person interviews with farmers in the […] Read more
Chris Snip of Agris Co-operative works with farmers to check soil health and fertilizer practices of farmers near Lake Erie as part of the Great Lakes Agricultural Stewardship Initiative. (John Greig photo)
Crops

Phosphorus program aims to reduce Lake Erie nutrients

By
Chatham, Ont. — Henry Denotter’s farms near Kingsville, Ont. are close to the Wigle Creek, which flows into Lake Erie and takes with it any residues it pulls from nature and farmers’ fields. The Wigle Creek subwatershed, west of Leamington, has turned into ground zero in long-term research on how farmers can reduce phosphorus running […] Read more
Toxins produced by blue-green algae can cause organ damage or even death if ingested by livestock or pets.
Livestock, News

There can be a deadly danger in your dugout

Toxins from blue-green algae can be fatal if ingested by livestock, but you can reduce the risk

By
Reading Time: 2 minutes It’s the time of year to keep watch for blue-green algae. “Blue-green algae is actually cyanobacteria, and can produce toxins that can be very dangerous,” said Shawn Elgert, a provincial agricultural water engineer. “It can cause organ damage or even death if ingested by livestock or pets. If you are trying to determine the cause […] Read more
If you suspect blue-green algae is in a water body, don’t swim in it, 
allow livestock near it, or use the water on your garden.
Livestock

Don’t take chances with blue-green algae

Cyanobacteria can produce toxins that can cause organ damage or even death

By
Reading Time: 2 minutes An Alberta Agriculture and Forestry agricultural water engineer, has a warning about the dangers of blue-green algae. “Blue-green algae is actually cyanobacteria, and can produce toxins that can be very dangerous,” said Shawn Elgert. “It can cause organ damage or even death if ingested by humans, livestock or pets.” Blue-green algae can often be hard […] Read more

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