An updated calculator for estimating manure value is now available for download. Three examples, based on our Certified Livestock Manager training worksheets for swine, beef/dairy solid manure w/bedding, and turkey litter are available. Both PDF and Excel files can be downloaded. Check it out here...
Owners of a brand new beef barn, utilizing a 10' deep pit under slats for manure collection, hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony on December 10, 2016, at their ranch in Pike County. A large group was on hand, including representatives of the construction company, lumber and materials providers, the...
Date: October 26, 2016 Authors: Richard Gates, 217-244-2791,rsgates@illinois.edu Jay Solomon, 815-235-4125, jssolomo@illinois.edu Sources: Extension Specialists in Region Recent deaths of cattle in the...
The 2017 annual Certified Livestock Manager Training Program is taking shape. Tentative dates have been selected and are published on the CLM Training page. A few important changes:
During February 2016, Rich Gates and myself have had a few of opportunities to give some different presentations. On Tuesday and Wednesday of this week we attended the IL Pork Expo in Springfield, IL. With the new location in Springfield IL, it was exciting to see the new layout for the floor and...
Recently, I have been thinking about purchasing a generator for my farm. The requirement for an emergency power supply is not always necessary, but should be considered, particularly if you have animals. Power requirements for livestock are critical as power is often used for ventilation, and for...
Backdraft is when air flows the wrong way through an opening. Typically barns are set up so outside air moves through an inlet, across the animals and the fans pull it back outside. When backdraft occurs, outside air moves into the barn through the fan. The main reason drafts come through the fans...
When I am not working as an agricultural engineer, I spend my free time farming on a cattle and hay operation. Recently, we have been working to expand the hay sales, and last year we decided to put up 2 new hoop barns. Previously we had 1 hoop barn on the property that was put up by a company. We...
As we move into manure application season, it is important to remember safety. Two visible safety reminders are now available for you to use on your farm. A safety decal reminding farm workers of the danger of manure foaming has been developed from a research project funded by Iowa Pork...
