In February and March 2000, the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) received several letters and telephone calls from a number of dairy farmers in Wisconsin and Minnesota. The farmers advised that their dairy herds are experiencing distress that is affecting the health of cows and their milk production. These farmers attribute the problem to stray voltage that they believe is originating from the power lines serving their farms. The farmers indicated there is an alarming loss of communications and trust between the farmers, the electric utilities that serve their farms, and others in the state and local governments.

These complaints brought to mind RUS past history with stray voltage concerns. In a September 24, 1981, letter to all electric borrowers, the Rural Electrification Administration (REA) advised of a large increase in complaints related to stray voltage on farms. This REA letter briefly discussed some of the causes and remedies of stray voltage, and recommended that REA borrowers share the information with the farmers that they serve. A follow-up letter of April 27, 1983, to all electric borrowers contained additional reference sources for information on the subject and included some suggested information on stray voltage which could be provided in "bill stuffers" to customers. At that time, borrowers and farmers were working together to identify and alleviate stray voltage problems at farms.

In December of 1991, the Department of Agriculture's Agriculture Research Service (ARS) published a most complete 140 page reference and source of help on the subject of stray voltage at farms…Agriculture Handbook 696, "Effects of Electrical Voltage/Current on Farm Animals." The Department published this handbook because of concerns about the way stray voltage research results were being misinterpreted and misconstrued, and because of the general lack of understanding of the causes and effects of stray voltage on farms. This handbook has been used widely and is generally considered to be a prime reference on the subject.

Subject matter includes such information as:

1. The history of stray voltage/current on farms,
2. The physical and electrical sources of this phenomena,
3. The physiological and behavior bases for losses in production,
4. Method for identifying and detecting problems
5. Methods for mitigating stray voltage/current problems, and
6. Areas where further research may be required.

The primary emphasis was on cattle and dairy farms, but the theories and procedures discussed were relevant for all types of livestock and the associated housing facilities. Recommendations were made to address action levels and mitigation techniques. The fundamental conclusion of this handbook was that stray voltages/currents could be reduced to acceptable levels.

The handbook can be purchased from the National Technical Information Service, Technology Administration, U. S. Department of Commerce, Springfield, VA 22161, phone (703) 605-6000. Please advise that you wish to purchase NTIS Order No. PB92-172873.

The recent year 2000 problems described by dairy farmers appear to be multifaceted and involve:

1. Misunderstanding or lack of knowledge about electrical properties and phenomenon,
2. Misunderstanding or lack of knowledge about animal health, physiology and behavior, and,
3. Poor or lack of communications between all parties involved.

In an effort to help resolve these problems, the Electric Staff Division (ESD) is currently soliciting involvement and assistance from other USDA agencies. One agency, the Agriculture Research Service, has experts in animal husbandry and behavior and knowledge of the reaction of animals to electrical voltages and currents. Another agency, Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service and its various Extension Service offices throughout the U. S., could provide help by visiting farmers and farmer organizations to educate farmers about the cause and cures of stray voltage problems. This education effort could help alleviate the misunderstandings and lack of knowledge about stray voltage and open the pathway to better communications with all involved parties.

If you would like more information or have any questions, please call John Pavek, Chief, Distribution Branch, at (202) 720-5082.