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When farmers improve the health of streams on their land, it also improves the health of their herds.

When farmers improve the health of streams on their land, it also improves the health of their herds.
October 11, 2016 GLN Editor

Farm-lovers gather round, this one’s for you.

Manure and fertilizer runoff from farms is a significant source of water pollution. But did you know that runoff can harm the health of the herd, too?

“Water that’s flowing in the stream can be a way for disease and parasites to move from one farm to another,” explains Watershed restoration pro Lamonte Garber of the Stroud Water Research Center.

Fortunately, there are a few ways farmers can help keep animals healthy and reduce water pollution at the same time. Garber recommends:

  • Planting cover crops to prevent erosion
  • Improving manure storage
  • Using trees to keep herds and water sources separate

The real payoff for the farmer, he adds, comes when their kids can walk down to a healthy stream and pull out a trout.

And that may be the most tangible evidence of all to show that the improvements are working.

Get schooled:

The fine print:

 

by Current Cast

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