4H steer auction just around the corner

By Gary Sliworsky
OMAFRA Rep.

Many livestock producers are using some type of pasture rotation. This means electric fence. Maintenance is critical for the successful control of livestock.
Turn on the energizer. It will have a flashing light to indicate that it is working properly. If it is working, test the fence. A voltmeter is a good investment for this purpose. If the reading is less than 2500 volts, check the fence. Push a long nail or screwdriver into the soil. Attach one end of the meter to the nail and one to the fence wire.
With the fence there are some things that will drain power. Fallen trees and branches can force wires to the ground. Broken insulators can mean a short out. The electric wire may have come in contact with nearby barbed or page wire to cause a drain. Steel posts can be a problem with cracked insulators and bare wire touching metal. Locations where wires have been joined are worth checking. Lush wet growth on the fence line will drain current especially after a heavy rain.
There isn’t always a “snap” at every leak on the line. The fence charge can quietly sneak away. Always use the same metal, using two metal types can cause rusting and grounding loss.
After everything has been checked go back to the ground. This is the key to the system. It can be checked by leaning several metal rods or bars against a charged wire about 100 yards from the ground rods. This guides the current into the earth and back to the ground rods.
Place one hand on the ground and the other on the last ground rod. If the system is working there shouldn’t be a shock. For those of us who don’t take kindly to shocks, a voltmeter will do. A reading over 200 volts is a good indication of a poor ground system.
In an earth ground system, current travels out from the energizer and returns to it. It moves from the energizer along the wire, passes through the animal touching it to earth.
The Rainy River Valley Agricultural Fair is almost here. One of the events that takes place is the 4-H Steer Auction. There is always good interest in the auction. It seems there are more and more people wanting to buy only half a steer but not being able to find someone to buy the other half. This year that shouldn’t be a problem.
If you are interested in getting half a steer and don’t have anyone lined up to buy the other half, the 4-H Association will help you find someone. Just call Jason (487-9955) or Kim Jo (482-2863).

Dates to Remember
August 10 - 12 – Large animal clinic dates for Dr. Blair Simonson. Call 274-7393 to book an appointment
August 13 - 15 – Rainy River Valley Agricultural Fair, Emo