One such issue, according to an Ontario Federation of Agriculture fact sheet, is uncontrolled electricity.
It’s described as a “constant underground current that runs through the soil and is detectable on barn floors or through metal feeders or stabling structures.”
Uncontrolled electricity can expose livestock to shock through bowls, milking equipment, or through wet surfaces in the barn.
Signs that an animal may have encountered uncontrolled electricity include refusal to eat and poor milk production.
Brent Royce, OFA’s working group Chair, and Hydro One’s President and CEO Mayo Schmidt say the relationship between the two organizations will help them become go-to resources in similar situations.
"This partnership positions Hydro One and the OFA as leaders in understanding and addressing on-farm electrical issues,” Schmidt said in a release.
“Addressing on-farm electrical issues is our collective priority as it affects farmers across the province,” Royce said.
Hydro One is hoping to have the Farm Rapid Response Team available to Ontario farmers in time for summer.