How much space is needed between naturally ventilated buildings? Separation distances between buildings are not always the primary consideration when anticipating building a new structure, but poor planning will lead to headaches later. Typically a 50-60 foot space between...

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...

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...

Iowa State has recently launched an online tool to help livestock producers evaluate best management practices (BMPs) to reduce odor, dust and gas emissions. For producers considering using BMPs to reduce a gas or odor emitted from a site, this tool provides insights on both the cost to implement...

Illinois farmers are invited to participate in a valuable discussion on Adding Livestock: Building for the Future from the convenience of their own office or home. The program is sponsored by the Illinois Soybean Association. Whether farmers are adjusting to changes in the commodity...

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...

Last week the IL Pork Expo, the Illinois Pork Producers and IL Soybean Assoc. hosted a breakout session on CONTRACT PRODUCTION OPPORTUNITIES FOR FARMERS. In this session we heard from many of the swine integrators that contract in the state on the options available to contract with them. We...