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The Citizen, 1991-04-03, Page 13Keep water clean Keep cattle out THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, 1991. PAGE 13. Volume high at Brussels Livestock BY CHRIS HALLAHAN MVCA RURAL WATER QUALITY TECHNICIAN Allowing cattle access to a drain, stream, or river has been a common farm practice for decades. In many cases adjacent water­ courses provide a convenient source of water for pasturing live­ stock. However, studies reveal that rural water quality is suffering from this age-old practice. Water quality studies completed by the Maitland Valley Conserva­ tion Authority (MVCA) indicate there are over 270 cattle access sites within the Maitland River watershed. While the effect of one herd on water quality is small, the cumulative effect of all access sites is very significant. In areas where cattle are given access to a water­ course they tend to defecate direct­ ly in the water channel. This results in harmful levels of nutrients and bacteria in the watercourse. Bacteria within livestock manure ■ includes disease-causing organ­ isms called fecal coliforms. The presence of fecal coliforms does not change the appearance of water, however fecal coliforms do jeopar­ dize the health of humans and livestock. Human health risks asso­ ciated with fecal coliform contami­ nation include stomach flue, diarrhea and ear, eye and throat infections. Livestock health risks include mastitis and dysentery which can be transmitted within a herd or downstream to neighbour­ ing herds. Nutrients found in livestock feces include phosphorous. When added to a watercourse phosphorous turns previously clear water into some­ thing that resembles pea soup - thick and green. As a result, life-giving oxygen is reduced in the watercourse, causing fish and other water life to suffocate. To better understand one animal can have quality consider the following example. One kilogram of fresh cow manure (roughly one cow pie) contains about 230 million to 500 million fecal coliform bacteria. Government guidelines for safe the effect on water to for six swimming require less than 100 fecal coliform bacteria per 100 millilitres of water. In other words, one cow pie contains enough fecal coliforms to render 230,000 500,000 litres of water unsafe swimming, the equivalent of backyard swimming pools. Cattle with unrestricted access to a watercourse can affect water quality each day of the grazing season. When accumulated over the entire season the impact is significant. There are, however a number of alternatives to reduce cattle access. Cattle can be fenced from a watercourse and provided clean water from an alternative source. Nose pumps, and solar powered pumps can effectively draw water from a pond or barn well. The recently announced Land Stewardship II Program provides grants to make the conversion. Now is the time to take advantage of the available financing to protect herd health and improve rural water quality. Livestock operators wishing to receive more information or assis­ tance on methods to restrict cattle access can contact the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority at 357-3557. OFA meets cabinet today Premier Rae will be told, “farm­ ers are the biggest job stealers in Ontario’’. That’s part of the message Ontario Federation of Agriculture President Roger George will be presenting to the Ontario Cabinet on April 3. “There are hundreds of jobs in this province that are currently being held by farmers who need off-farm income to support their farming operation,’’ said George. “We need an economically sustain­ able agricultural industry in Ontario that will allow farmers to go back to the farms and open up those job placements for the rest of the provincial work force. During the OFA brief to cabinet, There were 833 slaughter cattle on offer at the March 26 auction at Brussels Livestock. Twenty steers consigned by John Barbour, Orangeville averaged 1280 lbs. sold for $100.73 to the high of $105. Twelve steers con­ signed by Wm. Bennett and Sons, Gorrie averaged 1327 lbs. sold for $98.22 to the high of $98 75. One steer consigned by Paul Johnson, Bluevale weighed 1190 lbs. sold for $98.50. Thirty-seven steers con­ signed by Cunningham Farms, Lucan averaged 1415 lbs. sold for $93.02 to the high of $97.50. Forty-two steers consigned by W. B. Pletch Co., Rockwood aver­ aged 1307 lbs. sold for $93.39 to the high of $95.80. Eighteen steers consigned by Mac Willits, Wing­ ham averaged 1297 lbs. sold to the high of $93. Two steers consigned by Darren Johnston, Bluevale aver­ aged 1230 lbs. sold for $92.80. Fourteen steers consigned by Mur­ ray Forbes, Clinton averaged 1322 lbs. sold for $91.45 to the high of $93.40. Twelve steers consigned by Glen Johnston, Bluevale averaged 1320 lbs. sold for $91.18 to the high of $94.60. Thirteen steers consigned by Lome Eadie, Holyrood averaged 1365lbs. sold for $91.14 to the high of $93.75. Fifteen steers consigned by Bruno Braecker, Walton aver­ aged 1267 lbs. sold for $89.48 to the high of $94.75. Twenty-one heifers consigned by John Barbour, Orangeville aver­ aged 1334 lbs. sold for $96.67 to the high of $98.75. Six heifers consign­ ed by Groenberg Farms, Lucknow averaged 1175 lbs. sold for $91.15. Three heifers consigned by Ken Johnston, Bluevale averaged 1113 George will be calling for the Government of Ontario to renew its commitment to the agri-food sector and provide policy environment that allows the industry to adapt to rapidly changing markets; to reju­ venate the infrastructure of rural Ontario with a bold new dream; and develop farm credit policy which ensures equitable access to affordable credit. He will also be calling for Environment Minister Ruth Grier to set aside her rigid time frame for ■ the passage of the Environmental Bill of Rights; and for Labour Minister Bob Mackenzie to identi­ fy the impact proposed changes in labour legislation will have on the agri-food sector. lbs. sold for $89.34 to the high of $94.25. Seven heifers consigned by Glen Johnston, Bluevale averaged 994 lbs. sold for $88.84. Five heifers consigned by Keith Dunston, Mild- may averaged 1216 lbs. sold for $88.30. Three heifers consigned by Jerryview Farms, Mildmay aver­ aged 1206 lbs. sold for $88.21. Fourteen heifers consigned by Vern Bean, Goderich averaged 1254 lbs. sold for $87.98. Four heifers consigned by Allan Koch, Wroxeter averaged 1043 lbs. sold for $87.95. Six heifers consign­ ed by Murray Johnston, Bluevale averaged 1165 lbs. sold for $87.73 to the high of $91.50. Four heifers consigned by Ian Johnston, Blue­ vale averaged 1145 lbs. sold for $87.41 to the high of $90. Six heifers consigned by Cliff Eedy, Walton averaged 1107 lbs. sold for $86.05 to the high of $89.25. Five veal calves consigned by Don Gibson, Lucknow averaged 590 lbs. sold to the high of $102.50. One veal calf consigned by Skinner Farms, Mitchell weighed 510 lbs. The EVENT $1,000 KM 281 Mo/Co sold for $89.50. Three veal calves consigned by Simon Logtenberg, Dungannon averaged 507 lbs. sold to the high of $94. Two veal calves consigned by Doug Stoll, Goderich averaged 575 lbs. sold to the high of $87.50. One veal calf consigned by Bill French, Mitchell weighed 560 lbs. sold for $86.90. One Limousine cow consigned by Jim Bennett, Goderich weighed 980 lbs. sold for $83.50. Three Holstein cows consigned by Keith Vanderhoek, Ripley averaged 1200 lbs. sold to the high of $75.50. Two Holstein cows consigned by Lyle Haney, Seaforth averaged 1260 lbs. sold to the high of $62.50. Two cows consigned by Finley Pfeffer, Clifford averaged 1485 lbs. sold for $60.13. Three cows consigned by James Campbell, Blyth averaged 1360 lbs. sold for $59.40. One cow consigned by Jack Nonkes, Auburn weighed 1510 lbs. sold for $59. Seven cows consigned by Louis Greydanus, Listowel averaged 1211 lbs. sold for $56.93 to the high of $61. LOWER YOUR FARMING COSTS AND MAKE MONEY HKjHPOW&i M15OO Cash Rebates are available on all new Vicon farm equipment. - Low Costs - A Complete System - Permanent Materials - CSA Approved - Powerful - Reliable - Completely Modular - Easy to Construct - Portable Fencing The Bottom Line - You Make More Profit With CALL: TIM PRIOR 887-9648 PLUS Low Financing Rates & Cash Rebates 0 o/Q INTEREST For 12 Months* for 24 Mos. for 36 Mos. for 48 Mos. APR 7.5% 8.5% 9.5% ‘Monthly Payments Certain terms and conditions apply Performance you can afford to take home OR Payment Waiver until July 7, 1991 & Cash Rebates There's never been a better time to take advantage of the biggest price incentives ever offered on new Vicon farm equipment. 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