SD official urges farmers to check livestock water

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BROOKINGS (AP) — A South Dakota State University official says livestock producers should test their dams and wells for sulfates.

Extension Field Specialist Adele Harty says recent high temperatures and low rainfall are causing increased evaporation from dams, which can boost the risk of high sulfate concentrations.

She says high sulfate levels in water can harm or kill cattle and other livestock.

Harty says hot, dry weather also can produce blue-green algae in water. She says livestock that drink water containing that algae will die.

Harty says regional SDSU Extension centers can test water for farmers and ranchers.

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