Reading Time: 3 minutes Over the years with increased phosphorus and nitrogen getting into bodies of water, there have been more blue green algae blooms and that means more contact with cattle, as well as dogs, birds, wildlife and, of course, people. With cattle, most of the time we get sudden death but also neurology cases. Wildlife, including birds, […] Read more
Let’s do what we can to keep our animals safe from blue-green algae
Reporting suspected algae blooms and checking provincial advisories are both good steps
Time to watch for toxic bacteria
Reading Time: < 1 minute It’s the time of year when producers are being warned about the dangers of blue-green algae in dugouts. The toxic bacteria can cause organ damage or even death. Once temperatures reach 25 C, producers should look at the water surface for algae that resembles “blue-green scum, pea soup or grass clippings suspended in the water,” […] Read more
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
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
Heat wave may have left a toxic legacy
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
Algae could put dugout water safety at risk
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
Ontario watershed study shows overapplication of phosphorus
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
Phosphorus program aims to reduce Lake Erie nutrients
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
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
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
Don’t take chances with blue-green algae
Cyanobacteria can produce toxins that can cause organ damage or even death
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
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
