Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Agent: August brings heat dangers

Though it seems hot and dry, its actually

typical for August in Arkansas and

most farmers and ranchers are prepared.

Nevada County Farm Agent Melissa

Beck said the key for those who are raising

animals  especially cattle  is plenty

of clean water.

Beck said theres a tendency to think

shade is necessary. Though cattle will

gather in shades if available, sheds arent

always a good idea, according to Beck.

Its sometimes hotter in a shed than

in the sun, Beck said.

In addition, if cows gather in a small

area there tends to be a problem with

flies which creates additional health hazards.

Beck said having an abundance of

water for animals is more important than

shade. That can be in the form of ponds

or stock tanks.

Its also important to remember that

whats clean for cows isnt the same as

whats clean for humans. Beck said that

ponds are never going to be completely

clear and that they must be treated as a

small ecosystem.

Among the things to remember is that

everything that goes into the pond has an

impact on that ecosystem. Beck said that

includes fish food.

Its fun to take the grandkids down to

the pond and feed the fish, Beck said.

But that fish food adds organic material

to the pond, which increases the

growth of algae and creates a problem

with the ponds ecosystem.

Fertilizing around the pond or even in

neighboring fields can also impact the

ecosystem, promoting plant growth that

eventually results in an unhealthy environment.

Even the presence of ducks and

geese can impact a pond, Beck said.

Beck said the University of Arkansas

at Pine Bluff offers a pond school to

help landowners better manage water

resources.

Water testing is one way to be certain

of a ponds condition and Beck said she

can steer landowners in the best direction

for that service.

In addition to assuring a constant supply

of water to animals, farmers should

have some sort of mineral and salt available,

according to Beck

She said the majority of row crop

farmers have either invested in irrigation

systems or are prepared to weather the

dry conditions. She said those who do

have irrigation systems have significant

cash invested and are typically committed

to using those systems.

While taking care of the land and animals

is always at the forefront of a

farmers mind, Beck said theres another

danger lying in wait during this hot season.

The biggest danger out there is to the

farmer, she said.

While its necessary to take care of the

myriad of chores that dont stop just

because the temperatures are raging

above 100 degrees, Beck said there are

some steps farmers can take to lessen the

personal impact. Those include drinking

plenty of fluids, and working as much as

possible in the early morning and late

evening and remaining indoors during

the hottest part of the day.

For more information about dealing

with the heat of summer and managing

ponds and other water sources, contact

Beck at 887-2818.