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Control Moss in Stock Tank

Algae in stock tanks for animals and nurse tanks for spraying, can be a nuisance. This is especially true with hard water. Adding copper sulfate to the water will take care of the problem until the tank is refilled with fresh water. The process must then be repeated. Dissolve one ounce of copper sulfate in one pint of water in a glass jar. Add 7.5 tablespoons of the prepared solution to each 1,000 gallons of water. An alternative for nurse tanks is to paint the entire tank black. This eliminates the sunlight requirement which prevents algae growth.


Proper Storage of Hay  Can Cut Losses 

Wind and rain can damage baled hay, but learning the outdoor storage practices listed below can cut these losses.

• Make sure hay bales or stacks are evenly formed and densely packed. These bales shed water better and sag less than bales with soft cores or that are less densely packed.
   
• Use plastic twine or net wrap on round bales to maintain their shape and to provide a smooth surface for water runoff. Plastic resists weathering, insects and rodents better than natural fibers.
   
• Store hay on well-drained sites so bales won't absorb moisture from wet soil or standing water. Avoid storing bales in terrace valleys or along fences or trees that cause snow drifts.
   
• Do not stack round bales unless they are covered or will be fed to livestock soon. Avoid placing bales in a row with the twine ends touching one another.
   
• Place round hay bales or stacks at least one foot from each other on all sides. This prevents water from running off one bale onto another.
   
• Round bales store well when placed end to end. Place these rows in northwest to southeast lines to let winds reduce snow drifts and allow the sun to dry both sides of the bales.