Livestock producers and service providers can receive training on how to use the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation 2 (RUSLE2) and the Iowa Phosphorus Index for use in nutrient management and manure management plans at workshops being offered by Iowa State University Extension and the Iowa Manure Management Action Group (IMMAG), in collaboration with the Iowa USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service. The workshop will be held on Dec....

News reports have surfaced again detailing flash fires and explosions in livestock buildings while liquid pit manure was being agitated and pumped. Iowa State University Extension agricultural engineers say these episodes highlight the caution needed when agitating and pumping manure from pits beneath buildings. Liquid manure in pits undergoes slow decomposition which creates several gases including methane and hydrogen sulfide, both of...

Written by: Karen Grimes, Information Specialist, Iowa Department of Natural Resources As confinement livestock and poultry producers make plans for the future, they should be aware of changes in state law that may affect them. The laws are already in effect or will be in effect shortly. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has begun drafting rules to implement the laws and is planning to hold two stakeholder meetings in midsummer...

Iowa State University and the Iowa Commercial Nutrient Applicators Association invite you to the 2009 Upper Midwest Manure Handling Expo-SET for Fall: Safety, Efficiency, & Technology on July 22, 2009 in Boone, Iowa. The 2009 Upper Midwest Manure Handling Expo is designed to provide an opportunity for exhibitors and consumers to discuss and compare manure-handling equipment, products and services as well as provide educational...

In the interest of efficiency, the DNR is looking for innovative ways to cut costs, so that vital services with an environmental benefit can be maintained. Consequently, the DNR will no longer send reminder letters to 5,590 livestock and poul- try producers who must submit annual manure management plan updates to the agency. “We have developed some alternative ways for producers to receive this information,” said Ken Hessenius,...

Written by: John Sawyer, Department of Agronomy Iowa crop and livestock farmers, as top producers of corn, soybeans, pork, eggs, and other agricultural products are in an advantageous position economically and environmentally. Not only do livestock producers enjoy the benefits of locally grown crops for the feed that they need, but crop producers also enjoy the benefits of using manure as a nutrient source. To help producers make the most...