Changes in manure regulations, volume, and equipment impact how it is managed today. During a Hoard’s Dairyman webinar, Becky Larson, an associate professor and extension specialist with the Univers

The bedding under their feet contains the first bacteria chicks are exposed to. For that reason, reusing litter — which contains a mixture of wood shavings, feces, uric acid, feathers, and chicken

Lately, I often find the song “Take me home, country roads” stuck in my head. I taught my children the chorus, and now the John Denver classic has become one of the songs my son asks me to

There are certain jobs young children tend to gravitate toward when asked the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Doctor, teacher, and fireman are common responses. Some aim

Laboratory analysis is the best way to evaluate the nutrient content of manure on a specific farm. When sampling is not or cannot be done, farmers rely on “book values” to develop nutrient

It lurks beneath the surface of every manure lagoon or anaerobic digester. Sludge, an unavoidable part of manure storage and treatment, is a manure by-product that is lower in organic matter

The manure and bedding material removed from a bedded-pack barn can be a valuable nutrient source for crops, but it is bulky. For this reason, this manure is often applied close to the farm

Advice can be a tricky thing. Opinions and recommendations may be offered with the best of intentions, but the person on the receiving end could interpret the sentiments differently. The best advice o

When I was in middle school, the barn on my family’s dairy burned down. Most of the cows escaped, but the entire wooden part of the hip roof barn was gone, leaving just the brick walls standing

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is undoubtedly the most dangerous gas associated with manure storage and handling. The United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) lists acceptable exposu

It is very common for manure storages to not be emptied completely, often because it is difficult to do so. This residual manure is considered aged or inoculated

When discussing feedlot profitability, producers may often talk about the cost of gain or break-even costs. If manure enters the discussion, it is often referred to as an expense

Anyone paying the bills to fertilize fields, heat a home, or both knows that those expenses have been draining more from the bank account as of late

No farm or custom manure applicator wants to experience a manure spill incident, but accidents happen. Rather than finding yourself thrown into the unwanted spotlight with no plan in place

Manure spills are a real obstacle for any livestock operation and any custom applicator. They may stop application for the day or require outside equipment to be hired for quick cleanup

As fertilizer prices climb and concerns about supply shortages loom, manure is an even more valuable nutrient source this fall

Creating a simple budget of inputs and outputs goes a long way toward understanding the complexity of on-farm nutrient flows

We all know that what’s on the inside is what really counts. Still, presentation and packaging often make a big difference in how something is perceived and accepted

A day I had hoped was in the much more distant future has arrived. An excavating crew laid the groundwork for a new road that will be built in the field that has been my backyard view

Like many employed in an agriculture career, custom manure applicators find themselves working long hours and in stressful situations. When the pressure is on, it is easy to want to cut corners to get