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| July 13, 2009 |
A Penton Media, Inc Publication
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The extension website offers links to several different University
websites where crop and livestock producers can compare the costs of
different manure handling options.
The costs of pumping and land applying manure is affected by many
factors, including type of handling systems, distance manure is to be
moved, rate of application, and quantity of manure to be moved, among
other factors. Rick Koelsch, University of Nebraska, and Ray Massey,
University of Missouri suggest three resources that may help make manure
handling decisions:- Jon Rausch, Ohio State University, has
presented a comparison of transportation costs for three manure-handling
systems. It can be found at ohioline.osu.edu/ae-fact/0005.html.
Actual costs will differ from those presented in this publication, but
it offers insight into the different types of equipment needed and
provides cost comparisons.
- The University of Missouri Manure Distribution Cost Analyzer allows
individuals to estimate the costs of different systems. Users may enter
information about specific application systems, and the program computes
operating and ownership costs and the amount of time needed to
distribute manure. It can be downloaded at agebb.missouri.edu/commag/crops/massey/downloads/index.htm.
- A team from the University of Missouri and the University of
Nebraska has developed a software tool called the "Feed Nutrient
Management Planning Economics (FNMP$)." It is a comprehensive program
connecting feed ration characteristics, manure storage type, and
cropping system impacts on the value of manure as a fertilizer. FNMP$
estimates manure nutrients, land requirements, labor and equipment
application time, and costs and value for land application. It is a
spreadsheet-based program. This tool can be found at www.extension.org/pages/Software
and Web-Based Resources for Nutrient Management.
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management program. Slurrystore is compatible for any system whether
your goal is long term storage, nutrient retention, green containment,
digesters or manure processing. Plus Slurrystore Systems include the
added feature of agitation to help ensure nutrient consistency. Click here or contact your local
Authorized Slurrystore Dealer for more information.
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Iowa State University (ISU) researchers recently developed a
portable wireless hydrogen sulfide detection system for use in swine
barns when manure pits are being agitated and pumped. A research team
from the ISU’s Agricultural Waste Management Laboratory in the
Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Department has been testing a
two-piece prototype unit consisting of a battery-operated
sensor/transmitter and receiver.
The sensor/transmitter is placed in the barn before agitation and
pumping begin, allowing the operator to safely monitor hydrogen sulfide
concentrations from outside of the building via receiver. The signal can
be received up to 400 ft. from the building. The receiving range
increases to approximately two miles with long-range antennas. An
operator-programmed visual and audio alarm can be set to activate at a
desired concentration to alert the operator of dangerous hydrogen
sulfide levels. Once alerted, the operator can take action to dissipate
the deadly gas. Research has shown that hydrogen sulfide gas can be
dispersed by stopping agitation and increasing ventilation.
The prototype has been field-tested in swine confinement operations with
good results. Designers targeted custom manure applicators and producers
who pump, transport and apply manure from their swine barns. The
battery-powered system requires minimal set-up and the battery is
expected to last about 14 hours. The receiver unit can also be
configured to connect to a vehicle accessory DC power outlet.
The ISU research team will be providing information about the new
detection unit at the June 22 Upper Midwest Manure Handling Expo in
Boone, IA. For additional information, contact Randy Swestka at ISU at
515-294-3153 or email rjswestk@iastate.edu.
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A USDA Economic Research Service study suggests that about 5% of all
U.S. cropland is currently fertilized with livestock manure-with corn
acres accounting for more than half of the land to which manure is
applied. According to the research report, expanded environmental
regulations will likely lead to wider use of manure as an organic
fertilizer. While this will raise production costs for livestock
operations, especially those that must haul the manure any distance, the
overall impact on production costs, commodity demand or farm structure
is expected to be limited.
While the report notes there is widespread interest in using manure as
an energy source, current use is very limited. It is expected that may
change with expanded government support, but the amount of manure used
to produce methane or electricity won’t be sufficient to compete with
manure supplies used as fertilizer because manure nutrients can be left
behind as residue in a more marketable form. Manure-to-energy projects
will be most profitable in regions where manure is in excess supply,
researchers explain.
Read the report online at www.ers.usda.gov/Publications/AP/AP037/.
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its center agitation system. There’s no better choice for long term
ag nutrient storage. Now’s the Time for Slurrystore. Click here or contact your local
Authorized Slurrystore Dealer for more information.
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Iowa State University (ISU) is urging livestock producers to be
aware of new laws impacting manure storage and application. Two bills
passed by the Iowa Legislature impact confinement livestock operations.
House File 735 went into effect on April 2 and sets requirements for
stockpiling dry manure. The law establishes setback distances from
residences and environmentally sensitive areas. It also sets minimum
requirements for covering or protecting stockpiles, depending on when
the confinement feeding operation was built or expanded and the age of
the stockpile.
Senate File 432 has two main provisions. The first, which became
effective on July 1, restricts surface manure application from
confinement feeding operations on frozen or snow-covered ground, except
in emergencies. It applies only to producers who are required to submit
a manure management plan to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
This generally includes confinement swine operations housing 1,250 or
more finishing pigs and dairy operations with 350 or more mature dairy
cows, although the law is not limited to swine and dairy operations.
The second provision of Senate File 432 sets requirements for the
location of dry bedded confinement operations and for manure originating
from them. A new or expanding dry bedded confinement operation must be
separated from residences and other buildings, and from water sources.
There are additional requirements for building and dry bedded manure
stockpiles located above vulnerable groundwater areas in the state. This
provision became effective May 26.
Learn more at www.extension.iastate.edu/.
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University of California researchers will receive $2.8 million in
new grants to study the use and impacts of nitrogen in agricultural
production. The funding, coming from several sources, is expected to
help fill in the blanks when it comes to managing nitrogen, carbon and
water. "This is one of the most important and least publicized
environmental issues we face: Escaped nitrogen from agricultural
production affects the quality of our air, water, and soil and has huge
potential to contribute to climate change," explains Tom Tomich,
director of the Agricultural Sustainability Institute at the University
of California Davis (UC Davis). "Many members of the public and
politicians are unaware of the scope of this challenge."
Data on agricultural nitrogen pollution are limited, and some nitrogen
pollution forms are difficult to measure and monitor. The new studies
are expected to improve data-collection methods, according to UC Davis
Agricultural Sustainability Institute researcher Johan Six, a professor
in the Department of Plant Sciences. He says finding out how much
nitrous oxide and other greenhouse gases are released during irrigation
and fertilization of California farm lands is an urgent research need.
"The good news is we know that it is economically feasible to reduce
these emissions. The first step is quantifying the necessary
reductions,” Six says.
The new Agricultural Sustainability Institute grants and objectives
include:- $1.5 million from the David and Lucile Packard
Foundation for a statewide assessment of existing scientific evidence on
nitrogen use in conventional and alternative farming systems, and
relevant practices and policy options. In addition to assessment, a
program will be developed to improve communication about nitrogen
concerns among California farmers, ranchers, extension advisors,
environmental and community groups, agribusiness and government
agencies, such as the California Department of Food and Agriculture, and
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
- $500,000 from the California Energy Commission and $350,000 from the
David and Lucile Packard Foundation for new research on nitrous oxide
emissions in various farming systems.
- $300,000 from the California Air Resources Board for research on
practical ways to reduce nitrous oxide emissions in California
agriculture.
- $150,000 from the California Department of Food and Agriculture's
Fertilizer Research and Education Program to measure nitrous oxide
emissions from cotton, corn and vegetable cropping systems.
Learn more about the UC Davis research and the Agricultural
Sustainability Institute online at asi.ucdavis.edu/.
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The 2009 Manure Science Review will be offered at two Ohio locations
on July 21 and 23, 2009. The program includes a hands-on session using a
workbook to determine crop nutrient needs, manure application rates and
crop nutrient balance. Following lunch (noon to 1:00 p.m.), the second
session both days includes an in-depth look at nutrient management
issues, including an on-site assessment of application best management
practices. An inventory and evaluation workshop will be an on-site farm
assessment focused on specific areas of concern and identification of
mitigation options for manure handling.
The programs begin at 9:00 a.m. each day. The July 21 program will begin
at the Manor Restaurant, Strasburg, OH, followed by the inventory
session at Rowe Dairy near Strasburg. The July 23 program begins at St.
Mary’s Hall, St. Mary’s, OH, with the afternoon program taking place
at Brown Dairy, New Bremen, OH.
Directions and registration details are available online at www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/ocamm/MSR09_brochure.pdf.
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eHay Weekly is a weekly compilation of prices and marketing
information for commercial hay growers. Updates include local market
conditions, state and regional hay association news, hay prices from
around the nation, and links to USDA weekly hay reports. eHay Weekly is
brought to you from the editors of Hay & Forage Grower.
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State-of-the-art manure handling practices will be a primary focus
during the 2009 Wisconsin Farm Technology Days hosted by Crave Brothers
Farm, Waterloo, WI, on July 21-23. The 1,100-cow dairy utilizes a manure
digester and composts manure while working to efficiently manage water
and nutrients. Wisconsin Farm Technology Days is a place to learn about
the latest technology available for production agriculture, according to
organizers.
A manure management tour will be offered at 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
each day of the three-day show. The tour will include manure composting
and application equipment demonstrations, plus a visit to the farm’s
digester. The Wisconsin Professional Nutrient Applicators will be
highlighting varying aspects of the manure application industry,
including auto-steer technology, techniques for incorporating manure
while maintaining surface crop residue, and strategies for minimizing
odor during application. The group will also show attendees how to apply
manure based on the farm’s nutrient management plan.
More than 600 commercial exhibitors will be on-hand during Farm
Technology Days to showcase product and service offerings. In addition
to the manure management learning opportunities, field demonstrations
will show mowing raking, merging, harvesting and baling equipment in
action. Wisconsin Farm Technology Days is the state’s largest outdoor
agricultural show.
Learn more about Wisconsin Farm Technology Days online at www.dodgefarmtech.com/.
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The 2009 Upper Midwest Manure Handling Expo will be held at the
Central Iowa Expo Center in Boone, IA on July 22, 2009. The theme for
the meeting is “SET for Fall: Safety, Efficiency, and Technology.”
Visitors and vendors will have a chance to interact and discuss manure
handling equipment, products and services. The Expo will also offer
educational opportunities.
Learn more about the Midwest Manure Handling Expo online at www.ucs.iastate.edu/mnet/2009ummhe/home.html.
For additional information email agwaste@iastate.edu.
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 NHF Weekly Preview provides pork
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The University of Minnesota (UM) Southern Research and Outreach
Center in Waseca, MN, will host a one-day Lagoon Surface Aeration
workshop on July 31. The workshop will present research-based
information about a newly developed surface aeration unit featuring
venturi air injectors to control odor emission from animal manure
lagoons. Attendees will learn more about the technology, its
applicability and its limitations. The cost of the workshop is $35.
Obtain more information and download a registration form at www.extension.umn.edu/swine.
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Send Comments & Questions To
Dale Miller, Editor,
National Hog Farmer
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