Water quality was a key concern for livestock producers last year with the dry conditions and producers are being encouraged to keep a close eye on water sources again this year.

Last year, approximately 200 cattle died on a community pasture that turned out to have very high sulfate levels.

The affected pasture reported had a sulfate concentration of over 24,000 milligrams a litre, total dissolved solids, were also extremely high.

Concentrations over 1,000 mg a litre can cause neurological trauma in cattle, with death frequently occurring at concentrations greater than 7,000 milligrams a litre.

Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Betty Althouse advised producers last year to be monitoring their water sources and look at bringing in alternative water sources if needed.

Producers are again reminded that cattle need to be checked as often as possible in hot, dry conditions, to ensure the quality and quantity of their water supply.

In hopes of avoiding a similar situation a couple of Producer Workshops focusing on Strategies for Dry Conditions in the Southwest are being held in Shaunavon and Hodgeville.

Kevin Steinley is the Executive Director with the Swift Current Creek Watershed Stewards Association and says the workshops will cover a variety of issues from water quality to dugout construction, available funding and more.

“How to spot signs of poor water quality in their livestock. What actions they can take to improve the water sources? As well as ways to deal with lack of feed that came up this year including some of the alternatives that they can use to feed their cows over the winter.”

Producer Workshops focusing on Strategies for Dry Conditions in the Southwest are being held Tuesday, July 31st in Shaunavon from 6 until 9 pm at Christ the King Catholic Church Hall and on Wednesday, August 1st, from 2 until 5 pm at the Hodgeville Community Centre.

The Producer Workshops are sponsored by the Swift Current Creek Watershed Stewards Association, The Ministry of Agriculture, South of the Divide Conservation Action Plan, Old Wives Watershed Association and the Water Security Agency.