Progressive Dairyman teamed up with Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin to bring the 2008 Nutrient Innovation & Technology Tours. Dairymen and industry representatives spent three days driving throughout Wisconsin looking at the latest innovations and solutions to manure management systems.

Nine stops, including So-Fine Bovines, Central Sands Dairy, Van Der Geest Dairy Cattle, Five-Star Dairy, Emerald Dairy, Jon-De Farm, Crave Brothers Farm, Larson Acres and Blue Star Dairy, showcased a different approach to dealing with the ongoing challenges and opportunities associated with animal husbandry. Highlights included a look at the first system where sand bedding is removed before entering a digester unit and a waste-heat system that is growing algae for biofuels and warming water for hydroponics.

The evenings were filled with panels discussing the latest in dairy production and a closer look at the impacts and developments surrounding the EPA and their ongoing study of air emissions and quality at large production facilities throughout the U.S. PD