“Knowing what to do will help keep you and your family from panicking and having to make last-minute decisions,” says Ken Hellevang, North Dakota State University Extension agricultural engineer and flooding expert, when referring to the threat of flooding. NDSU Extension has several resources to help you prepare for a flood. Visit the NDSU Extension’s
Be prepared for flooding this year
Planning is a vital part of fighting the flood water
Early bloom raises algae poisoning concerns
The blue-green algae can be harmful or fatal to humans and livestock
An early cyanobacteria bloom in Walsh County, North Dakota suggests livestock producers need to exercise caution with water sources this summer. Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, can produce toxins that are harmful to livestock, wildlife and people. Blue-green algae often occur in stagnant ponds or dugouts with elevated nutrient levels, forming large colonies that
Pump your septic tank before winter
Don’t wait — fixing a problem during the winter is difficult and expensive
If a few years have passed since your septic tank was pumped, now would be a good time to contact a licensed pumper and have it emptied, according to a North Dakota State University Extension Service agricultural engineer. “Cleaning the accumulated solids — sludge — from the septic tank is the most common, routine maintenance
Consider pros, cons of alternative grain storage methods
Grain should be dry and cool when placed in alternative storage facilities
Bumper crops and transportation delays have created a need for additional temporary storage on many farms. Here are some things farmers should consider about the various options. “Grain can be stored in many types of facilities,” North Dakota State University Extension Service agricultural engineer Ken Hellevang says. “But all storage options should keep the grain
Reconditioning soybeans in storage poses problems
Reconditioning low-moisture soybeans in storage can damage the grain bin, cautions Ken Hellevang, the North Dakota State University Extension Service’s grain-drying expert. Warm, dry fall weather can result in soybeans being harvested well below the market moisture content of 13 per cent. Hellevang says he has heard reports of harvested bean moisture contents as low
Watch for deadly blue-green algae blooms in ponds and watering sites
The algae is actually a photosynthetic bacteria that thrives with warm weather, calm winds and abundant nutrients, particularly phosphorus and nitrogen
Livestock producers should watch for green to blue-green scum in fresh water supplies. “Algae blooms cause major disruptions, not only because of their offensive odour and appearance; but because they can be fatal to livestock, pets and people,” says Roxanne Johnson, a water quality associate with North Dakota State University’s extension service. “Not all algaeWhat causes evergreens to brown?
There are several reasons for browning needles on evergreens, whether they turn completely brown or have needles with brown tips and green bases. “There are several potential causes, but the correct cause may be difficult to determine,” says Joe Zeleznik, North Dakota State University Extension Service forester. “Insects, diseases, flooding or mild winter temperatures may
Don’t Overwork Flooded Septic Systems
Septic systems that have been flooded should be treated very carefully, cautions Tom Scherer, the North Dakota State University Extension Service’s agricultural engineer who specializes in water quality and irrigation. “After the water recedes, don’t be in a hurry to start using them right away,” he says. “The drain field especially needs time to dry
Clean Or Replace Flooded Energy-Related Items
Deciding what to save and what to throw out after a home has been flooded can be daunting. That’s especially true for energy-related items such as insulation, household appliances, and heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment, says Carl Pedersen, North Dakota State University Extension Service energy educator. Whether something can be salvaged will depend on
Control Basement Water Seepage
If the water table in your area is above your basement floor, you may be dealing with water seeping into the basement. Water can get into the basement where the walls and floor meet and through cracks in the floor. Sometimes water also will come through cracks in the wall, but that usually is the
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
